Magic on the Mountain 2 - Blood and Devotion

Prologue

Ian

  My eyes glance over the empty room as I take a sullen breath. I’ve felt so alone this past thirty years. My red hair falls over my eyes as I lower my head and bury my face in my hands. Being a mage one hundred and sixteen is pretty young by most standards.

“Oh well, I’m just not meant for love.” I say as my thoughts wander to years gone by.

”I’ve never been good enough for anyone.” My words filling the silent house. I thought I was in love once but that ended in disaster.

My thoughts wander back to the hot blonde mage I met years earlier in California. His name was Brian, the one that broke my heart. I shake my head and laugh at myself for being so ridiculous. As I wander to the freezer and pull a half empty bottle of vodka out, I smile and take a hefty swig. “What was I ever thinking?” I questioned, turning back the bottle again.  As the strong drink has its desired effect, I take off my shirt exposing my tone hairy chest and well-defined abs. I’ve always been fair skinned and don’t at all mind really. 

I laugh at the thought of ever falling in love and take another gulp, the warmth of it running up my stomach and neck to my face. “The only man I’ve ever loved ran off with some damn werewolf!”  I throw the bottle across the room watching it smash against the wall, the residue of it running down the wallpaper as I stare blankly into space. Love is meant for dreamers and I’m a realist. 

 The next day My cell phone rings and I answer rubbing my eyes in disgust. “Six thirty? damn, who gets up that early?” The familiar voice on the other end catches my attention. 

 “Vultures swarm, the prince dies before fall.” Says the voice on the other end. The phone goes dead. I listen to the sound of dial tone for a few seconds than grab my coat and rush out the door I have to get to Devon my ward.

“You have to warn him!” Screams a voice in my head. “But how? What will I say? Oh, Devon by the way Angry cult members are coming to assassinate you!”

“Shit this is going to suck! Jonah is definitely going to lose his shit”.

1.Ian

 “I have to get to Devon my pupil and ward to warn him. I knew this was coming why didn’t I see it before now?!” My thoughts race as I jump in my cherry red mustang and speed out of my driveway, tires screeching as I hit the main road.

 I dial again and listen to the phone ring over and over as my heart races. “Calm down ok, calm down. Let’s see, the voice on the phone said, “The prince dies before fall”, “that gives us two months to figure this shit out. It’s going to be fine, just watch the road” I say to myself as I screech around the last turn before arriving at Devon and Jonah’s log house.

“That literally took two minutes, calm down” I run up to the house and knock on the door, trying not to appear too upset. When the door to the beautiful two-story log house opens, Jonah, Devon’s mate, greets me with a smile.

“Hey Jonah, I need to talk to you and Devon both, It’s well”, I hesitate… “VERY important.” “Sure thing, everything alright ?” asks Jonah As I stand in silence Jonah says “OK, Well, I’ll get Devon.” “Thanks.” I replied with a nod. After Devon comes out into the living room, I stand there not knowing what to say or how to begin.

“So, there’s this prophecy, right? It states that a wealthy prince, who comes from a long line of royal mages, will amass great magical power, greater than any other in over three hundred years and will bring with him magic like black fire, that will scorch the earth… and well the rest is, it’s lost, but Devon that story is about you son.” Mages stop aging at thirty, so we looked the same age, but I still felt paternal and referred to him as son, I had said it all in one big breath like it would be better that way.  Devon just takes a deep breath, sighs and says, “Ian you’re drunk, go home.” With a roll of the eyes. Grabbing his hand and looking into his eyes I say,” No, son, I’m not, we need to get ready for this, they ARE coming to kill you.” My eyes dart between Jonah and Devon, a scowl across my forehead.

“You’re serious Ian!” Devon says in shock. Jonah grabs hold of Devon’s hand, the outcome of last fall coming back to haunt them. The demon talisman and Devon absorbing its magic, becoming the most powerful mage in seven generations. I can see it starting to sink in as we settle in for a long day.

After all is said though, Devon refuses to believe that he’s fated to die. I plead with him to take it seriously but to no avail. “He’s just in shock.” I tell myself as I drive home.

Pulling in the driveway, I think “How can I protect him from this? I’m not even sure if I believe it.”

I settle into bed and ponder. Can’t do anything but wait and see what comes to pass. Meanwhile, I’m going to gather some intel and pull some strings. I have many contacts in the magical world. I will sniff it out. If anyone is trying to hurt Devon, I will know. For now, though, sleep.

I wake up the following morning with a fresh sense of purpose. “I will get to the bottom of this before any harm comes to my ward!” I thought.

 I spend the better part of the day collecting info on radical mage factions and anything that may connect them to this so-called prophecy. After a long exhausting day, I had decided I was going to the night club Jonah owns downtown, to relax and toss back a few.

After greeting Jonah’s pack members working security at the door, they wave me past with a smile and just like that, I was in. The loud music thumps in the background, it’s Friday night after all and this is THE club to come to. The crowd is thick but only the who’s who of the magical world would show up tonight. So, I begin scanning over the crowd. Out of nowhere a server approaches with a glass of very expensive Vodka, my favorite, and points and says “compliments of the gentleman in the booth.” then turns away. 

  I look across the crowd to the VIP booths and see the most breathtaking man I have ever seen. He must be six three and fair skinned with a swimmer build. Wearing a suit, you could tell was Italian and way too expensive. His muscles hard and lean through the tight fabric.

I thought for a moment than said,” what the hell.”

As I approached him, before I could react, he reached for my hand and introduced himself. I don’t usually do physical contact because of my empathic powers. I just get flooded with so many emotions that are not my own, yet I felt nothing from him. I was thrilled and bewildered.

“Denton Granger. The pleasure is most certainly mine. May I ask your name?” he said with a confident sophistication that had me a bit aroused. My pulse quickened and a warmth ran up my neck to settle in my cheeks. “Ian.” I replied flexing my arms a little. He looked me up and down with a devilish grin and said “Please, join me.”

His features sharp and seductive, his long black hair settled just above his waist and his eyes shined like steel in the presence of the flashing lights. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing good and well he was a vampire. It didn’t bother me though. Vampires are not mindless monsters like in human stories. They are passionate and deeply loyal, mating for life. They feed on living blood only occasionally to heal or gain strength. 

We talked for two or three hours and I found he had quite a good sense of humor and a singular charm. Nothing like what I had expected. It grew close to one A.M. when he invited me to his place. I refused and suggested my place instead. He gave me a wink of approval and we made our way to the parking lot. He opened the passenger door for me with a sexy smile and a nod.

I directed him to my rental on the lake and we made quick time. Arriving at the front door he stood at the entrance and after a long pause I invited him in.

 He took his jacket off exposing his half buttoned untucked dress shirt his hard chest clearly visible. He had the sleeves rolled up exposing some pretty impressive tattoos. He made himself comfortable on the sofa and I poured us some wine which Devon had given me three years earlier. I had been saving it for a special occasion but I thought, “Why the hell not?”

 As he sipped his wine, he looked at me for a long time, which made me a little uncomfortable, a fact he quickly picked up on because he swiftly apologized. He explained how much I reminded him of someone and I saw a hint of longing in his steely grey eyes. I had left the lights dimmed and the ambiance more than a little romantic.

 His features were strikingly masculine and his smile intense and seductive. “Stand up.” he said his voice low and confident. I don’t know why but something made me respond and I stood. I felt a tremble of insecurity wash over me as he stared up gazing into my eyes. He told me to take off my shirt. As I hesitated, he stood and slowly unbuttoned it then sliding it down my hard-muscular arms he dropped it to the floor at our feet.  He stood so close I could feel his breath on my lips. “Now your pants.” He said looking me up and down as if he were memorizing my every feature. I trembled and unbuttoned my slacks letting them fall as I stepped out of them.

“Nobody has ever made me feel this way.” I thought to myself.

He then moved closer and I stepped back against the wall. As I stood in the dim light, he ran his hand down the side of my face, caressing my cheek down to my neck with his fingers. As he made his way down my muscular chest and defined abs to my briefs, he gazed into me and whispered, “Beautiful.” He had an intensity in his voice I’d never heard before.

 “Where’s the bed?” he asked quietly. I pointed to the room at the end of the hall and he walked away stripping as he made his way to the bedroom.

 I was almost panting, the heat of arousal pounding in my chest. I walked into the moonlit room to find him laying naked on my bed, a grin on his lips and a deep hunger in his shimmering grey eyes. His alabaster skin shown with an iridescent glow in the moonlight. He patted the bed signaling me to join him. I slowly laid on the bed and he ran his hand down my muscled stomach to my now hard member. He slowly slipped his hand under my waistband and I heaved in anticipation. His fingers made it to my throbbing cock, teasing the head. He rolled onto me and pressed his hips between my legs, his cock rubbing mine. He ground into me as his lips pressed mine lightly caressing my mouth. Then his tongue parted my trembling lips and his mouth crushed mine in a passionate wet kiss. His tongue swirled mine, as his hips were grinding into me as an aching desire grew in my groin. The feel of his cool skin made me sigh and the raw sexual magnetism between us threatened to push me over the edge.

His kisses moved to my cheek, then down to my neck, my pulse quickened when his body heaved. The feel of his cock through the thin cotton sent a burning sensation racing through my every nerve. His mouth and tongue now working my neck sucking and licking as his hips moved faster grinding into me.

 He suddenly pulled back and looked deep into my eyes, then he plunged into me sinking fangs deep into my neck. My every nerve lit up and our cocks erupted in unison, spasm after hot spasm cum soaking each other with our essence. My magical blood filled his mouth and he groaned in pleasure. Then pulling away and caressing my face he whispered, “Beautiful.”

2.Denton

  I arrived at my manor nearly half past five A.M. Upon entering Jones, my house man said dryly, “Pushing it a bit aren’t we sir?”

I turned smiling wide “I met someone.”

“Oh, have you sir?” replied Jones expressionless.

He took my coat and I danced my way up the staircase to the upper floor, humming all the way. I couldn’t help but think of the sexy young mage whom I just left. ”I am far too old to feel this way.” I thought pulling my long black hair into a ponytail. Jones follows me picking up my carelessly tossed clothes as he trails behind.

“oh, not again sir.” He exclaims

“It’s different this time, he’s different.” A calm wash’s over me as I think back to just hours before, when I was with the handsome red-haired mage. His pale freckled skin and hard muscular body laid out in the moonlight. The mere thought of him makes me stir inside.

“Oh, and the taste of him, it was like lightning in my veins.” I said with excitement. “I can’t wait to see him again. I didn’t give him my number but I will see him again, I’ll see to that. I have to be careful with this one, he’s frail, easily hurt I think.” I say

“Oh, do be careful sir.” replies Jones. “I will jones, I will earn his affections, you’ll see.”  “Yes sir.”

I lock down the house for the day. Electric shudders slide down over the windows as jones draws me a bath. I sink down into the hot steaming water and sigh, the heat penetrating my porcelain like skin. “He will see me again.” I could sense it in his blood.

My thoughts drift back to the taste of him, it was like lightning and fire inside me all at once, dancing through me, filling me with a magical warmth. His magic was potent and pure. It overwhelmed me with need and loneliness. A side effect of feeding on blood, you can feel the emotions of the one you’re feeding on. He was truly beautiful inside and out.

“Get my back jones.” I say. “yes sir”

“I know he liked me too. Oh, gods why am I acting like I’m one hundred again. I’m not some starry-eyed newborn vampire now am I? I’m three hundred and fifty one years old dammit, you’d think I’d know better than to fall for anyone again.” I state

“Of course, sir.”

“Hold my calls tonight Jones, I don’t want to be disturbed.” I say

“Of course, sir.”

I finish my bath and put on my robe and slippers, then making my way through the house I settle into one of the downstairs rooms. A room meant only for me. No one else is allowed in this room and nobody sees me in this room. It’s where I come to think in private. I sit and stare at the beautifully framed Portrait centered on the marble wall, with red velvet drapes hanging on either side.

 “The likeness is shocking and amazing, he’s simply beautiful.” I say to myself.

Honestly, it’s been two hundred fifty years since I have felt this way and I had truly forgotten I knew how to love. Love, the very word is foreign on my tongue after all this time. He will teach me what it means to love again and I will not let it go this time.

The day passes slower than any other and by nightfall I am dressed and eager to court the red-haired mage that has stolen my heart away. He should have received the flowers and invitation I sent around midday.

I sit in my usual booth at the club waiting for ten to arrive. That’s when he’s meeting me you see. I haven’t felt like this in more than two and a half centuries, not since I was a fledgling vampire and the world was mine for the taking.

He was a young human and at the time it didn’t occur to me to mind. I thought he was beautiful and perfect. To my horror he was stabbed one night when the constabulary came knocking on my door. You see being the only vampire in a small province in England, I was worshipped and hated equally by the common folk and this was a “Burn the monster!” Kind of night. How fickle humans can be. Anyway, his name was Richard and he had stolen my heart but, thinking I was responsible for the mysterious deaths in the city, an angry mob of peasants attempted to kill me. Richard got caught in the middle and was stabbed. He died in my arms.

I vowed never to love again. I never thought I could, but this young mage has me experiencing feelings I’d thought long dead.

Right on time he walked through the entrance of the club and looked right into me. His red hair draped over one eye as he walked with a confidence he didn’t possess. So masculine and vulnerable he was like a fine wine, meant to be cherished. His muscles ripple under his tight clothes as he saunters over to the booth.

“Good evening Ian. I trust your day went well?” I asked

“Good, long, but good.” He replied with a smile.

I ordered his favorite vodka and every appetizer. I didn’t know his preferred foods after all and, well “he can’t live off alcohol alone.” I thought with a snicker.

 Mages had almost no body odor to speak of, but the scent of his magic was unmistakable and strong. It was like wild flowers in summer and cherry. Magic is often fragrant to those of us who can smell it but, his is unlike anything I have ever come across. It calms me. It pulls at me.

I spent the rest of the night attempting to make him laugh and feel at ease. I had healed his neck before leaving the night before, so he was no worse for it. I was excited at the very thought of inviting him over, can you imagine, over three hundred years old and excited over a date. I was beside myself.

The club was closing soon and I asked him to join me for a little after-hours drink and he agreed. I could feel the nervous energy his magic put out, dance over my skin. After arriving at my estate, he seemed like he felt more at ease. That was odd for anyone to feel at ease amid all this luxury but it made me happy to see.

I could tell he was a little drunk and a lot tired when he stumbled into the wall so I offered him my bed. He graciously accepted.

 I helped him out of his clothes and into bed. He watched me intently as I undressed and I crawled in next to him. We talked about everything from work to sex to things we loved and hated until he fell asleep in my arms.

3.Ian

It was a hot day out, probably one of the last truly hot days left this summer. I had just left Denton’s enormous white stone home. It was not like me to get involved with anyone, much less the aristocratic type, but something about the way he looked at me made me burn inside. My emotional defenses were failing me but I felt a confidence I hadn’t felt in decades. The feelings in me were tumultuous and wild. Anxiety, happiness, fear and longing all swirling like a whirlpool in my chest. “What the hell is wrong with me.” I say as I shake my head in an attempt to focus.

Not being bombarded with his every emotion when we touched was very alluring and the man exuded confidence. I shudder slightly at the thought of his sexy, naked body in the moonlight, a smile creeping across my lips.

I center myself and anchor in the moment, brushing thoughts of him aside. A contact had left me a message that he had a lead on a possible sect of mages who might want Devon dead. A lead I sorely needed. Devon, being the last surviving member of the royal bloodline, it could, in point of fact be anyone. The code [vultures] plural, meant more than one assassin was coming so I had no clue what I was up against. I had to protect Devon at all costs but I needed info and fast.

 I enter the lake house and dial the number. After several rings it states “not available” and drops the call. ”Great.” I huffed.

My only possible lead in a week and he’s not answering. An unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach started to rise and I began to think he might have run onto trouble, or worse been killed.

This was getting very real, very fast and I needed to think of my next move before it was too late.

I decided to visit a seer I had seen in the past, a friend of mine in New York. We had worked together about eleven years earlier, when I was tracking down Devon. She had truly impressed me with her singular ability to interpret her visions accurately.

I began to pack for the journey when a knock came from the front door. When I answered, it was Denton? Shocked and perplexed I looked at him curiously for a moment then stepped to one side, gesturing for him to come in.

He rushes in and shakes as if tossing dust off himself and says “Dreadful midday sunlight.” And then looks at me with a smile.

I was at a loss. I mean daylight charms were highly sought after and exceedingly rare artifacts. The sheer magical power it took to create one was enormous and usually left the mages magic permanently diminished. He simply pulled out his necklace and dangled the amulet in front of me with a smirk. This no doubt was the daylight charm in question.

 He stepped right up to me, stared into my eyes and whispered “I simply had to see you.” Then spying my half-packed bag, he looked at my questioningly.

“A trip. I have to go see a seer about some family business.” I stated gesturing at the photo of Devon. ”He’s in danger and I am searching for answers.” Then it occurred to me I was saying too much. I just felt so drawn to this man, something inside me was compelled to trust him.

I shook my head slightly and said “I’ll only be a couple days and hopefully, I’ll come back with some answers.”

He turned and said “We’ll take my Jet, I need to get away and it’ll be fun, besides you will enjoy my company.”

  He pulled out his phone and hit the speed dial “Prep the jet immediately. A guest and I will be visiting New York Ken. OH, and do hurry.”

I didn’t even have time to protest but even if I had, there was a strange desire in me to take him along. He had connections after all and he might be useful to me. Besides I had to admit I thoroughly enjoyed being near him.

We got to the air strip a couple hours later and boarded the large personal jet. Servers began greeting us and we settled in with champagne and strawberries. I thought “damn this beats coach.” And chomped on the perfectly sweet fruit.

 The three-hour trip seemed to fly by as we drank way too much and Laughed at one another, he had an amazing sense of humor after all, something I found very attractive.

Stepping off the plane we made our way to the limo waiting for us and headed for the hotel. Evening had settled in and the city of New York bustled with Life. We reached the hotel about an hour later. I was shocked at its beauty and ritzy upper-class architecture. Murals and paintings from all around the globe garnished the marble walls. As we made our way to the desk, he rang the Bell and stood leaning sideways with one elbow on the counter. The manager hurried over and said “Mr. Granger what a pleasure it i—”

“Yes Randall,” interrupted Denton “Send the bartender down along with my usual horderves would you.” He said as he turned away. He led me to the elevator doors, as they rang, then swung open. We stepped in and he pressed penthouse. I was thrown a bit when the elevator went down. I had never been in a modern hotel exclusive to vampires before.

The doors opened a moment later and we stepped into the lap of luxury. I must have looked ridiculous because he let out a slight chuckle and said “I know it’s over the top and ridiculously extravagant but, they have the best human restaurant in the city and well I own it, so in a way it’s free.”

The bartender and room service arrived together and as they prepared the beautiful display of exotic foods, I told the bartender to make me a Vodka martini dirty. Devon turned me onto vodka martinis a few years back and being a vodka man, it easily became a favorite of mine.

Denton took off his necklace and put it into a tiny box that seemed to radiate magical energy. He must have seen me stare at it because he smiled and explained it was a spelled box designed to slow the degeneration of the charm. After all, the charms magic was finite.

He nonchalantly stripped as he made his way to the jacuzzi. Vampires love hot water because of their low body temperature, caused by an extremely slow heart rate. It causes their blood to pump faster giving them a kind of mild high. I stood staring at his muscular physique as he climbed into the jacuzzi. He glanced my way and smirked, a silver gleam in his metallic eyes. “Join me.” He said, more of an order than request, but I didn’t seem to mind.

I took off all my clothes, except my underwear and when I moved to climb in, he winked at me and pointed to my briefs. I sighed, rolled my eyes and pulled them to the floor. Then I put my arms up and said “Better?” with a grin

“Immensely.” He replied staring at me up and down.

 I climbed in and settled into the warmth of the bubbling water.  He grabbed a remote and dimmed the lights, then called for another round and the bartender brought us more drinks. I had forgotten he was there and my blushing cheeks would have been obvious, if the hot water hadn’t already painted them pink. 

 The heat and liquor had me dazed. I looked at his well-defined shoulders. His neck had an almost elegant appeal while his long black hair draped along his frame and into the water. I tried so hard to resist him, but the raw force of sexual desire radiated off of him in intoxicating waves. I swallowed hard as he remained sitting there still. His head was laid back and his eyes were closed. I felt myself start to move toward him as if I were sneaking up on my prey. He sat up and met my mouth with a deep passionate kiss. It caught me off guard. He placed a hand on each side of my face and worked my tongue with his. My cock leapt beneath the water as he moved to the center of the jacuzzi. He grabbed my legs and wrapped me around him with strength and ease. Then he ran his fingers up my back and pulled me to him, our cocks now pressed firmly together. I let out a ragged breath and wrapped my arms around his neck, now fully straddling him.

We made love with our mouths for what seemed like forever when the bartender apologized as he informed us our table was ready upstairs.

 I smiled and said “Dinner reservations?”

“Of course, I may be a vampire but I’m not going to let you starve. Besides you can’t live off of booze alone.” He snickered.

4.Denton

We are seated at the VIP tables. Next to us was a large aquarium that had an array of exotic fish and two female Nyad’s in mermaid costumes made with amazingly beautiful colors. Nyad’s could breathe under water so there was no diving gear or obnoxious hoses. I’m not often surprised by much anymore, but that was one of my finest additions to the restaurant.

Ian seemed to have relaxed around me since the night we met and I was glad for it. He sat across from me at our table and looked wide eyed at the exotic aquarium. His expression made me smile. His square jaw was peppered with red stubble and his hair shown with a strawberry gold. His taught well-defined upper body clearly visible through his black fishnet shirt. He stood to go to the restroom and I stared longingly at his muscular legs and ass clad in tight black leather as he walked away.

The timing couldn’t have been better, because at that moment my contact called and informed me, he had some files to show me. I arranged a meeting for the following day and hung up as Ian made it back to the table.

 We enjoyed each other’s company while Ian made short work of his dinner. Satisfied we made our way back to the room and settled in for the night. His appointment wasn’t until ten thirty in the morning but it was a two-hour drive so Ian needed sleep and I needed to feed. Ian got undressed and said he would crash on the couch “He really is guarded.” I thought to myself. I insisted he take the large canopy bed in the master suite. I assured him I would not be joining him.

Vampires don’t require much sleep. He shut out the bedroom lights and fell asleep as I hit the blood bar.

The morning was fast upon us as I went to wake Ian. He was thrashing and writhing an expression of fear twisted the pleasant features of his face and I reached down to wake him. Touching his shoulder, I had flashes like memories white, hot and vivid in my mind’s eye. Black billowing smoke, screaming and blood, so much blood. Then blue like sapphire’s lifeless, cold. I stumble back and Ian lunges up in the bed panting and holding his chest. His face contorted and fearful.

“what the hell was that?” he asked.

I was, for the first time in an age speechless, the terror and loss in those flashes left a bitterness in my mouth and a stabbing in my chest. Sharing visions was rare and that vision was intense.

“You have visions of the yet to come, don’t you?” I asked laying a hand on Ian’s shoulder. “Sometimes.” He answered “They’re never clear enough though, always so vague.” “That’s the problem with future sight. It’s a fickle mistress.” I said with a smile. “We have to get ready to leave soon.” I interjected before the conversation got too deep.

We drove a rental to a small psychic shop in a town on the outskirts of New York. Ian drove. I thought it would be a nice distraction after this morning’s disturbing vision.

The shop was in a house, one much like any other, but I could see a powerful aura emanating from its occupant. Intrigued I followed Ian up the path to the front door. The door opened to reveal an older woman maybe sixty and in seeming good health. She was the source of the strange aura I realized.

 “Come in Ian. What brings you so far? You didn’t come just to see me.” She said with a smile.

“I need help with something. Someone dear to me is in danger and I don’t know where to begin. I have to protect him. He’s my ward, like a son to me.” Ian said with concern in his voice.

“Ok dear, let’s see what’s going on.” She said and shut the door.

She led us through the living room into the perfect example of a fortune tellers’ parlor. I gave a snide chuckle. As we proceeded, she sat us at one side of the table, with herself directly across. She held out her hands and said “ok, dear.” as they joined hands.

I was rolling my eyes when I felt it, a sudden heaviness fell over the room. I sat to attention and saw a shift in the aura. It turned dark and red. Then magical waves like the crashing tide rolled through the room. I gleaned parts of the vision, images flashing more pronounced this time clear, precise, orderly and intense. The seer raised her eye’s to Ian’s and said “Oh my.”

Then the magic dissipated. Ian explained the prophecy and the coded message on the phone two weeks earlier and how his ward had to be the target.

She had seen blood and sacrifice, a fiery black bird was coming and with it a looming threat dark and powerful. Breathing black fire that scorched the earth and a figure hooded in darkness watching, lying in wait for the right moment to strike.

 Ian sat for a moment and suddenly leapt up saying “Thank you so much Gurdy, I know where to look now.” Then rushed for the door.

“we have to get to the university of magic in the city.” Ian said as we sped away.

Arriving three hours later at the university we headed to the library and began searching books on cults, ancient radical mage organizations with doomsday prophecies and cross referenced those searches with fiery black birds. There’re more cults than I would have expected, and I thought VAMPIRES could be eccentric.

We made copies of any group with a black bird for a sigil and left immediately for the airport. I called ahead, had our belongings brought to my jet from the hotel and in no time, we were on our way home. Now I didn’t know where this was going but, I was most definitely in. After all, it’s the most excitement I’ve had in a century.

After a while the pilot announced we had reached altitude when I heard a strange beeping sharp and piercing. “Do you hear that?” I asked with a strained look.

“No“ replied Ian. Then his expression changed “wait I hear it, beeping.”

Here he pointed to the storage area under the couch. We creaked open the bin, peered inside and looked at one another in shock. “A bomb really? How cliché!” I shouted with a grimace

“I may be immortal but a bomb will kill us both.” I said nervously.

Ian stopped to think and grabbed his travel bag, swung it over his shoulder and closed his eyes. Magic began to crackle and pop in the room and a circular light began to expand in front of us. Sweat began to bead on his brow as he strained pooling more and more magic into the small cabin of the plane. Then his eyes opened as they glowed with magical light. The beeping fast and steady increasing in speed.

“Any second now, or we’re toast Ian, come on.”

Ian’s hands clapped together and as he separated them a portal opened before us.

“RUN!!” he screamed. I darted through grabbing his coat dragging him along as fire and thunder exploded behind us.

Falling to the ground on the other side of the portal, fire blasting through its now closing opening. We looked at each other and hugged both glad to be alive. Then Ian grimaced and I smelled it, blood sweet and electric is my nostrils “Ian’s blood.” I thought fearfully. He opened his jacket to reveal a long sharp length of metal going through his back and out his stomach. He started to collapse.

I scrambled for my phone and made A call to Jones “Park, downtown, now, no questions and bring towels.”

“Of course, sir.” Jones replied

I held Ian as he began to slink to the ground and his eyes began to roll back as he passed out.

5.Get well soon

 Ian’s eyes began to open as the pain sharp and hot bit his side. Grabbing his abdomen, he tried to sit up but collapsed back into the soft canopied bed. “Denton’s house? How did I get here?” he mumbled as he became increasingly aware of his surroundings.

 “Jones picked us up and I carried you in, that’s how.” Denton stated as he assessed the state of the bandage. “You almost died.” He said unable to hide the tension in his voice. Ian caught the look of concern on his face.

 “Drink this, it’s a potent healing elixir, it will speed your recovery and if we’re going to find the assassin you will need all your strength.” Denton said calmly.

With a gentle hand, I lifted Ian’s head so he could gulp the liquid and then tenderly lowered him to the pillow. Ian grumbled something even Denton’s vampire hearing couldn’t catch and passed out.

 He woke to gentle humming. it was Denton in a chair by the bedside.

“Welcome back.” He said smiling. “How long?” Ian grumbled. “Two days.” Replied Denton as he helped Ian stand. His strong arms embraced Ian and pulled him up out of bed and helped him to the bathroom. After a moment Ian returned and was rather amazed at how good he felt. Undressing the wound, he found it knitted and only a pink tender line where the shrapnel had impaled him.

They dressed and as they approached the front door Ian stopped Denton and told him, “You know you don’t have to help me.”

“Nonsense. let’s be off.” Denton replied earnestly.

They spent the first half of the day reinforcing the wards around the entire perimeter of territory of Devon’s life mate Jonah who is the pack master. “That is a good start and enough for one day.” Ian thought warily.

Seeing how the day had drained Ian, Denton decided to take him directly to his home to rest.  Denton made a call just before they arrived at Ian’s home. Not long after, Ian heard a knock at the door and answered it. Jones nodded politely as Denton sauntered up, grabbed two large sacks of groceries from him and walked into the kitchen saying “Thank you Jones.”

 “I’m cooking for you.” said Denton with a smile.

Ian laughs and says “What can a vampire possibly know about how to cook?” “You forget, I’ve had three hundred years to practice.” Denton replies with a smile.

Ian smiled and for the first time in decades had butterflies in his stomach. He poured himself some wine and sat at the kitchen bar. As he watched Denton masterfully whip and whirl his way around the kitchen stirring, chopping and checking the oven. He marveled at the grace and speed at which the man could cook.

After the table was set and the food served, they sat together, Denton with his wine and Ian enjoying his fine meal. After eating, night fell and the air was warmer than expected even with the summer coming to an end.

They stepped out for a walk and found a nice grassy area just at the shore of the lake. They sat together in silence for a time. Ian’s defenses were coming down, finally worn down by the very evident affections Denton had for him. He turned to Denton and paused for a moment thoroughly memorizing Denton’s handsome features.

Contentedly Ian gazed at Denton’s sharply chiseled jawline and opalescent skin. His long black hair draping down the far side of his face while he sat Indian style nibbling a blade of straw. Ian’s pulse quickened as he scooted close to Denton. Their eyes met and the moment seemed to be frozen in time. Denton leaned in and rubbed Ian’s cheek whispering ”So beautiful.”

His hand grasping the back of Ian’s neck he draws him close and their lips touch. Ian’s breath quickens as they lay back on the grassy clearing in a tender embrace. The soft moonlight kissing their now bare skin as they lay shirtless passionately exploring each other with their eager mouths and hands. Denton stands and unbuttons his pants, slowly lowering them to the ground. Stepping out of them, his naked muscled body shimmered in the light of the moon. Then pulling a band from his wrist he ties back his long hair and lowers himself to the ground. Unbuttoning Ian’s pants, he slowly pulls them down and then off exposing Ian’s growing member.

Denton’s hands run up Ian’s hair peppered legs as he settles between them, pressing his body tightly against Ian’s. Their growing arousal slowly increasing as they lock their lips together tenderly. Ian heaves his weight and rolls Denton onto his back and straddles him. Denton’s eyes shine and twinkle in playful response. Ian begins to rock gently rubbing Denton’s now rock-hard cock with his tight ass. Ian can feel the intensity of Denton’s gaze grow wild with hunger. Ian reaches in his pants and pulls a small tube from the pocket, then rubs the slippery contents onto Denton’s cock. He then begins lowering himself. His tight hole begins to engulf Denton’s swollen member. Denton’s hands grasp Ian’s thighs. Ian looks down and they lock eyes as Denton slides into him. Ian arches his back in ecstasy and begins to rise and fall in ever quickening movements as he rides Denton’s thick cock. Denton’s stare intensifies as Ian’s tight hole envelopes him over and over in deep and passionate strides. Ian’s skin reacts as the very air twinkles and their magical energies intertwine sending shocks through them both. Denton’s inhumanly slow heart begins to beat faster in his chest, a sensation he’s never felt before. Denton grasps Ian’s cock now wet and glistening and begins to work it with his hand. Ian shudders riding Denton’s cock faster as his own climax grows inside him. Denton sits up embracing Ian. Ian holds Denton’s head tight against his chest. Ian’s cock now rubbing against Denton’s hard muscled stomach. Ian’s stride increases. Denton can sense his approaching orgasm and reacts, his wild kisses peppering Ian’s neck as his fangs extend. Then just as Ian’s body tenses Denton sinks his fangs into Ian’s neck. The intoxicating taste of Ian’s magical blood fills his senses, as he loses control. Jolts begin lighting up Ian’s every nerve in orgasmic bliss. Ian’s cock pumping hot white juices over their stomachs as Denton fills Ian’s hole with his own massive orgasm. Denton hears a voice echo in his mind (keiv) and he smiles. As Ian’s breathing slows, the knowledge that Denton has his soul name churns in his mind. They are mated.

 They sit breathing heavily holding one another, in the light of the moonlit shoreline. They both laugh as they gather their clothes and make their way to the house.

 As soon as they enter, Denton grabs Ian and pushes him behind, shielding him as he catches an unfamiliar scent in the air. A strange hiss escapes his mouth as they carefully check room by room. Huffing a sigh of relief.

” All clear.” Denton says as they begin to relax. Then a strange shape on the bed catches Ian’s eye. Ian’s face grows troubled as he picks up an envelope off the pillow. Denton grabs It saying

“Please, let me, you could get hurt.”

He slowly opens it and reads “Glad you’re feeling better, you won’t be as lucky next time. GET WELL SOON…??

6.Ian

 As I sit on the edge of the bed, I dial Devon’s number. When Devon answers, I reluctantly tell him “He’s here, the assassins here. I think he followed me here to find you.”

 I could hear the anxiety in Devon’s voice heighten and it broke my heart. “I have to protect him.” I thought to myself.

“And who’s going to protect you Ian? The wolves?” Denton asks sarcastically.

“Uh I’ll call you back when I have more information Devon.” I say as I hang up the phone.

Looking at Denton with confusion I ask, “How did you know what I was thinking?”

 “Crazy thing this bond we seem to have. Don’t bother denying it you feel it too, the mingling of our magic, the sensations you get when I’m near. It would seem since your soul name [keiv] popped into my head I can hear your thoughts. When I try that is.”

The sound of the name knocked me off balance and my eyes went blurry then a deep calm washed over me. My body reacting to my Soul Name. “Denton is my life mate!” I thought in surprise.

“It seems that way, love.” Denton said with a tender smile.

I couldn’t believe it, after all this time I’ve found my souls other half. No wonder he has always had such a sway over my heart. I shake my head in an attempt to focus.

“The assassin was just here when we made love on the lake shore, why didn’t he kill us then?” “Problem is he now knows the town Devon lives in, so it’s only a matter of time before he knows exactly where Devon’s house is. First, he’ll have to try and break the wards surrounding Devon and Jonah’s territory. That will be our only warning. I adjusted the wards so that any unfamiliar magic will be kept out and sound the alarm.”

“For now, we need to get you home, it’ll be daylight soon and you should conserve the power left in your daylight charm.” I said to  Denton.

“Unfortunately, you’re right, I might need it more, before this is all over with.” Denton replies.

We got into my mustang and I drove him straight home before coming back to my place to catch some shut eye. Upon arriving at my home I settled into bed and willed myself to sleep. I must have only slept about three hours when the phone rings. I answer with a groggy Hello. The voice on the other end is strange and low

“You ever want to see your precious leech alive again come to 369 S. Carrow st. and come alone or he’s dead.” The line went dead and I began to panic, “Denton! He’s got Denton! Shit, shit, shit, ok think you got this.” I thought to myself as I threw my clothes on and ran to the car.

About ten minutes later I pulled into a dilapidated two story abandoned factory. “This is the address” I told myself. ”I gotta get this right, I can’t lose my life mate, we just found each other!” I thought as panic started to set in. I was shocked at how intense my feelings for Denton had become.

I entered the large entryway into the factory. ”I have every spell at my disposal.” I thought silently.

 I slowly began to make my way around the factory when I heard ”Up here.” It came from the upper level so I found the stairs and climbed up. Reaching the top step I froze at the sight of Denton tied up hanging feet first I. V’s draining him, killing him!

A lump formed in my throat and I announced my presence. Just then my eyes locked on the man walking into view. 

“NO, it can’t be!”… “Brian?” I said shock gripping me.

Brian’s cold eyes looked me over as he said “You always were the romantic type, I mean fucking on a moonlit lakeshore, really?”

”What are you doing here, what’s this all about?” I asked

“Give me the kid and I’ll let your boyfriend here live.” He said callously.

“Can’t do that Brian, leave Devon out of this, it’s between you and me.” I pleaded.  

Suddenly a shot rings through the silence and Denton screams as a bullet tears through his chest.

Panicking I said “OK, ok, hang on a sec, let’s talk.”

“No, the kid or he’s one dead vamp, silver you see, on a weakened vamp, it’s deadly if it hits the heart.”  He says as he cocks the gun.

“Ok, I’ll tell you, you win.” I said as I spied a weak spot on the catwalk, he was on.

I started to utter a spell and then swung my arm casting a telekinetic bolt shattering the supports, sending Brian tumbling to the edge of the hanging cat walk. I wave my arm casting silence on him with one word, so he cannot utter a spell, but before I can get to Denton, Brian breaks my spell and portals in front of me, spin kicking me in the gut and sending me stumbling back. I lit up with electricity and started with a barrage of strikes and punches connecting with jolts of electric force as he falls backward. Panting he gets up and starts chanting. Howling wind whips up pushing me back and closer to a ledge. I clap my hands and disappear in a blinding flash. I materialize behind him and as he turns to face me, I assault him with strikes, each connecting harder and harder, sparks flying off his face with each blow. Then finally, I gather my magic with both hands and send arks of lightning sparking and blasting everything in front t of me. Brian vanishes.

I search around, but see him running through the entrance to a car as he flees. I rush to Denton and cut him down. Removing his bindings, I caress his face begging “Please, please be ok.”

“I’m too old for this shit.” Denton says with a weak pained smirk.

I help him to my car and take him home. Refusing to leave him, I wait for Jones to emerge.  “Is he gonna be ok Jones?” I ask fearfully.

“He needs blood. Without human blood to heal him, his wounds will kill him sir.” Jones states

I knew what I had to do, so I took off my clothes knowing skin on skin helps weak vampires heal faster. I  got into bed with him, pulling him close into me I can feel his cool breath on my skin. I look him in the eyes and say “Drink my blood, it’s magical you’ll heal faster.”

He looks up at me half-conscious as his fangs emerge. I position him at my shoulder and he slowly bites down on me with his razor-sharp teeth. As he slowly drinks, he grunts and pulls me in tight a feral sound in his throat, his body jerks again and he bears down sucking furiously. I begin to feel light headed as he pulls away and I see a smile through the grey haze as I pass out.

6.Denton

When Ian awoke, I was laying on my side facing him on the bed, smiling.

  “So, love, what’s our next move?” I asked

He rubbed his eyes looked at me and smiled “First a charm to ward against Brian’s magic. Then I’m gonna find him and this time he’s a dead man.”  “You mean (We’re) going to find him, it’s personal now and I’m a little protective love.” I said with a grin

 “Can’t lose another person that I lo… care for, please stay away from me until this is over.” He said concern weighing heavy on him.

“As long as he can’t bewitch me with black magic like a coward I’m coming along, you need help. I’m good in a crisis.” I said plainly

“I don’t have time to argue.” Ian conceded. “Get dressed I’m gonna need Devon’s help with the charm.” Ian said with a scowl.

I was thrilled, an adventure with the man I’m falling in love with. It’s perfect. I thought to myself as we got dressed to leave.

We arrived at Devon’s house about thirty minutes later and Devon’s mate Jonah answered the door, took one look at me and growled. I could sense what he was the moment he opened the door, wolf magic is very distinguishable. I had never met the man but werewolf’s naturally hate vampires so “this will be interesting.” I thought.

 Devon came to the door and gave Jonah a scowl and invited us in. I caught Jonah roll his eyes. Ian explained why we came and the four of us headed into the back yard to a large stone circle. Ian and Devon sprinkled the stone circle with pink salt then sat Indian style face to face in the center. Ian asked for my ring. I gave it to him and they proceeded with a chant as they placed the ring in between them in a tiny glass bowl. They held up their hand’s, palms touching and began to recite an ancient language. The air became thick and staticky with magic and tiny dancing balls of light floated around them, the ring began to float between them then started to glow. It got brighter and brighter, I felt a pull in my chest, Ian was accessing my vampiric magic through our soul bond. I steadied myself and fought to maintain my composer, then a loud pop rang through the air and the ring fell to the ground.

“It’ s done. Thanks Devon we will let you know what we find. For now, keep the pack on alert. Who knows how much the assassin knows by now? “ Ian stated.

 We made our way to Ian’s mustang and left for his house. Using the info from the copies we made at the Library in New York, Ian had found info online. He wanted us to look through the files he had pulled up online about all the different radical mage organizations or cults. 

When we got to Ian’s house, he went straight to the study to start researching. I quietly called in a favor with a government friend of mine. After a minute of waiting, he came back on the line and said he would e-mail the results from all of the groups they were keeping tabs on. I thanked him and hung up.

 I went to the kitchen to make Ian dinner and started prepping the food. We had shut all the blinds and curtains so I didn’t have to rely on my amulet to protect me from the sun.

Ian got hungry about the time I finished with the chicken marsala and pasta. This time I set the table for two and decided to join him. We sipped wine and laughed over dinner. I could see the tension ease a little as he reached out his hand inviting me to dance with him. The gentle music played and we danced in circles, talking and taking turns making each other laugh. He asked me why I didn’t eat more often and I told him “it tastes good most times but does nothing to fuel my body.”

He just kept smiling and looked into my eyes with his own golden-brown ones. I was happy, for the first time in ages I was happy and it scared me to death.

 I shook my head slightly and changed the subject as I pulled away and started heading for the computer. I began telling him about the information my contact sent me. I pulled up my E-mail account and pulled up the file. Opening it we found there were six organizations the government currently had eyes on, so we started going through them one by one. Hours went by and no leads, then suddenly Ian stumbled onto a photo taken about twenty-five years earlier. “Brian”, Ian said “That’s it!”

 We opened it. They were radical mage’s, a cult named the phoenix fighters. They believed in the prophecy about a royal child destined to unleash a terrible evil that breathed black fire and claimed the end was coming, that a sacrifice was needed. They were red flagged last year when the compound went on lockdown and they started using words like (prophecy came true), and( be ready to strike) they were also suspected of having trained assassins they called the triad, three trained killers.

This was the connection, at least we knew what may be in store for us. Ian looked so angry and hurt, I didn’t know what to do. This man, this Brian, must be the one that hurt him and stole away his confidence.  He was coming alive in front of my very eyes and then this Brian shows up. I decided I didn’t have time to spend pondering that and let it go.

7.Ian

 I decided to drop Denton off at his estate to change and pack some clothes. After we had talked to Devon about it, he knew we needed to be close to him if they attacked. The lake house was not only inside the ward’s boundaries but close to Devon and Jonah’s house as well.

 I was on my way to town to get groceries and pick up a supply of fresh synthetic blood for Denton.  I had the grocery list he made and had no idea where to find some of the items, but I figured I would manage. It took me three hours to pick up everything on the list. My head hurt, so when I picked up Denton, He drove us to the lake house.

 The time was about noon when I called Devon and started telling him what we had uncovered the night before.

 “Jonah? Will you get the door please I’m on the phone with Ian.” I heard Devon say.

Jonah went to the door to see who it was. When he opened the door, he was hit in the face by a hiss of mist, he jerked back coughing. He began waving his hands to blow it away but it was too late. He felt his wolf lurch inside him and he fell to the floor yelling, his body partly transforming in and out of wolf form as he writhed in agony.” Wolfs-bane!” he thought.” The bitch dosed me with wolfs-bane!” The girl at the door dropped to one knee and pulled a gun just as Devon ran out from the back. Devon dropped the phone to the ground and called Jonah’s name in fear.

“Shit!” Ian yelled and Denton looked at him wondering what happened. They're being attacked and I’m still too weak to portal there. No sooner did the words escape Ian’s mouth Denton disappeared in a blink.

Devon cried out and threw a telekinetic shockwave but a necklace around the girl’s neck lit up and absorbed the spell. Devon saw it and said “Ok then!” and started magically tossing furniture and objects at her. She was knocked to the floor dropping her gun. She scrambled to her feet grabbing the weapon. She pointed the gun at Devon’s head and fired as Devon cringed away from the shot. Denton appeared in a sudden blink as if out of thin air. Catching the bullet in his chest, he didn’t even flinch. Then he let out a low hiss and swung his claws at the girl gashing her arm open and knocking the gun away. The gun landed with a thud and Devon grabbed it. As she turned, she snatched a knife out of the cutlery stand and turned her attention on Denton. The two faced off. She lunged in and caught Denton’s face with the blade, he turned his head with a grin as the cut started to close. She went into a flurry of attacks spinning and swinging slice after slice landed on Denton’s arms and neck causing blood to run everywhere. Then she paused in seeming victory. She stared in fear as Denton’s deep gashes closed in seconds.

 Denton moved in grabbing her throat and squeezing the hand that held the knife. Lifting her in the air, she flailed about for a minute then hung lifeless in midair as Denton tossed her limp corpse off to the side. He helped Jonah up and splashed vinegar on Jonah’s face washing away the wolfs bane. Jonah regained his composer and grunted shifting in place insecurely, his pride a little hurt and said “thanks.”

 Suddenly as fast as he was gone Denton reappeared. “Well that’s taken care of, one down and all that.”

 I asked what happened and he said “The assassins, one down I said, everyone’s fine love.” And then he smiled and began putting the groceries away.

 I breathed a sigh of relief with a side of confusion. Then I went to take a shower.  I have to say having Denton stay with me makes me happy and I love walking into a room with someone I care about in it. I have been so alone for so long. Even in the company of friends I felt alone, but not with Denton, there’s something different about us and I love it.

 Never in a million years did I imagine I would life mate with a vampire. I didn’t even think they (could) glean a mages soul name. destiny has happily proven me wrong.

“These wards love, they’re designed to keep the dark mages out and alert us to their presence?” I heard Denton ask through the sound of the shower.

“Yes, Devon and I would sense if anyone magical crossed the wards.” I replied.

“Then why didn’t it work? We were caught off guard.”

“The only way, is if the assassin were either human, or bound by a talisman to appear human.” Ian replied.

 “It was definitely the latter, love. She was assuredly a PRO though.” Denton replied, remembering how she moved.

 After my shower I dried myself off and dressed. How did she get passed the wolves I wondered? It was a moot point really, so I set it aside and went over my plans for the day.

 We knew there were three assassins and with one dead there was only Brian and one other, but who? Denton and I talked and decided it was best we stay with Devon and Jonah in their house until we had a better plan. So, we packed some clothes and I gathered some of my charms and we left for Devon’s house.

I called ahead so they were expecting us and greeted us at the door. Jonah’s chest gave a low rumble as Denton walked past him with a smile.

“These two were going to be trouble.” I thought to myself with a sigh.

8.Denton

 I knew that my nutritional needs were going to be a problem for Ian’s friend Jonah. Werewolf’s hate vampire’s after all, because of our need for blood. Some distant prejudice past down in their heritage. Truth be told our two kinds have been at peace for centuries.

After settling in the guest room, I opened the bottle of synthetic blood and started to drink when the door suddenly swung open and Jonah stood in the doorway sniffing the air. I looked at him and smiled a blood-stained smile holding up the bottle exposing the marketing label. He huffed and walked away. I sighed with a touch of relief. Werewolf bites can be deadly to us vampires. Something to do with the magic in their bite attacking a vampire’s body like poison.

 After finishing the synth-blood I tossed the open bottle in the little trash in the corner of our guest room and smiled.

“Sniff that all day wolf.” I hissed.

 I walked out onto the back deck and saw Ian and his young pupil Devon out on the bright green grass practicing an ancient style of mage forms. I hadn’t seen anyone use this ancient style in centuries. I was mesmerized by the sight. Magic twinkled around them as they gracefully went through different poses and defensive stances. Ian moved with a practiced finesse and my heart kicked up a notch. It was unheard of for a vampire’s heart to beat more than once a minute but around Ian I just felt so alive. A feeling I had long forgotten. Over two and a half centuries have passed since I last fell in love, and this was definitely starting to feel like love to me.

 They finished and faced each other, bowed their heads to one another and embraced in a brief hug. They laughed together over some joke Ian blurted as they walked up to the house.

“I had no idea you knew that form of martial combat.” I said with a smile. Ian replied “It’s been passed down in my family for countless generations.”

Ian grabbed my hand and felt the warmth of my skin, shocked he looked up at me. I could sense his thoughts so I stated “The daylight amulet is weakening, my sensitivity to the sun is growing stronger.”

“What can we do?” he asked with concern. “I’ll have to find a way to magically reinforce it.” I stated smiling. “I’ll do it.” Ian said with determination. “No way!” I replied with a frown “I’ll not have you risking your magic for me.”  He stepped closer to me, looked up at me and said “I’d do anything for you.” 

He went inside and I pondered for a moment. Then grinning I went into the house. I heard them all arguing from the guest room over me, the amulet and the danger of the imbibing spell it took to recharge it.

 I stepped out lifting up a stone in my open hand and asked “Will this help?” Ian looked surprised and blurted “You have an Azurothian Soul stone?” “I’ve had this thing for seventy years; can you use it.? I’ve heard they’re quite potent.”replied Denton. Ian said “Of course! We can use the stone to recharge the amulet without risking our own magic! It’s perfect!” I smiled and handed it over.

“It’ll take time to prepare but yes we can do this.” Ian stated with a smile of relief.

After I prepared everyone some lunch, we all sat to eat. I thought it would help my situation with Jonah if he saw me eat food. We ate in near silence and I was fine with it, it was everyone else that seemed on edge. I must admit I can’t blame them, knowing there were two more assassins on the loose that could strike at any moment, had to make them nervous. After finishing I cleaned up and Ian asked for my amulet. I graciously handed over the necklace and smiled saying “Thank you, love. This means the world to me.”

Ian pulled me into him and embraced me tightly, he may not be able to say it yet but he loves me. I know it. He leaned up, kissed me and headed out the back door.

I waited with Jonah thinking “He didn’t growl at the sight of me this time at least.”

Ian and Devon stepped into the stone circle and Ian held out his hands. Devon sprinkled salt in Ian’s left hand and placed the stone in it. Then he put salt and the amulet in Ian’s right hand. Devon placed his hands over Ian’s and they began the incantation.

 A light buzzed around them and their hands started to glow, the wind picked up as they chanted louder. The ground around them sparkled with magical energy. Ian’s left hand lit up bright and purple with the magic of the soul stone. Then the purple glow ran through them both and into their right hands infusing the amulet with renewed magical power. They both smiled and high fived gleefully.

 Jonah gave a wary sigh, looked me in the eyes then turned away and I shook my head pursing my lips. Ian came in the back door with Devon on his heels, both of them laughing.  I shut down my anger with Jonah and gave them both a thankful smile.

 We settled in for dinner. Devon’s chef had been taken on here after his family’s house burned down last summer, so we were in for a gourmet meal. I was happy not to cook this time. We sat at the dinner table and waited sipping on fine wine. I had to admit to myself their taste in wine was exquisite. 

 I glanced up and caught a flash in the large pane glass window at the far side of the table. I reached out with my mind and heard it, a click and a clack. My body reacted and I blinked, vanishing in less than a second’s time. I was in between Devon and the slug that came crashing through the window digging into me with a thud. “GET DOWN!!” I screamed and everyone dropped to the floor as a hail of bullets came sailing through the shattered window peppering the dining table with holes. Jonah grabbed Devon and I grabbed Ian pulling him to the ground. Ian waved his hand and a shield of energy sealed the window bullets bouncing off it with flashing sparks. “It won’t hold.” said Ian and we got up and ran for the living room.

 Jonah howled calling to his pack and ran out the door in mid transformation. Devon ducked to the floor as another hail of bullets came crashing through the back window this time. A second assassin. A gas bomb landed with a thud and Devon jerked his hands enclosing it in magic as it exploded with a pop. As he strained to contain the blast, he looked at Ian, and as if they had spoken to one another Ian nodded. Shouting a word, he waved his hand through the air and sent the magically contained bast sailing out the window to erupt outside.

 In seconds howls surrounded the house and then all we heard were the wolves fading into the distance. Jonah came in a second later dragging a man dressed in military camouflage. Dropping him to the ground with a thud he grabs duct tape from a drawer and begins tying the man to a chair. As the man came to, his eye already swollen shut, he looks over us and then laughs heartily. Jonah punch’s the man hard in the nose and with a pop blood gushes.

“Who sent you?” Jonah growls

The man spits blood and stiffens, resolute in his silent abstinence.

 I look at Jonah and I grin “May I?”  “Be my guest before I kill him!” yells Jonah.  I lean into the man’s face gazing into his eyes as mine change from grey to a deep black, “Tell me have you ever seen the effects of vampire venom on a mage?”

The man struggles than says “I-I’m not talking no matter what you do.” I lean into his ear as his heart begins to race “Good,” then I look back into his eyes and expose my long fangs. The man begins to struggle and whisper “no, no, please.”

“Then answer the question.” I say calmly

“I-It was the grand magus of the phoenix fighters, He sent us to kill the prince before he awakens the darkness.” He blurts desperately.

“Where is this so-called darkness?” I ask narrowing my gaze

Up the mountain, in a cave in the ground. You have to follow the river upstream to its source there you will find the darkness, “he cries out as he begins to sob.” You c-can’t release it, I-it’ll destroy everything.”

I look deeper into him and command him to sleep. The man goes limp in the chair. “That’s it, that’s our way to get the answers we need!” Ian shouts. “We’ll worry about the assassin that got away later. Right now, we have a cave to find.”

9.Ian

  Denton, Jonah, Devon and I all stand in the study going over the night’s events. Michael, Jonah’s second in command of the pack, taps the door and tells Jonah the boys have finished cleaning up the glass and boarding up the broken windows. Jonah tells him thanks and says “I want the pack on high alert, patrols guarding the borders at all times.”

“Sure thing, Jonah.” Michael says as he turns and leads the men out. “We can’t just go exploring some cursed cave, we need a plan.” Says Jonah his brow furled.

“Yeah but we need a solution quick, more will come after Devon soon.” I warned.

Nodding in agreement the room empties as we pair off and head to our rooms. I can’t help but worry, as I ponder the fact that after they find out their assassins have failed, they will come in force. We saw the numbers in the file. There were almost one hundred seventy-five cult members in all, all dark mages of one kind or another. How could One hundred or so werewolf’s, two mages and a vampire hope to stop what’s coming. I grew tired of thinking as I sat on the edge of the bed and laid back closing my eyes with a sigh.

Then I felt the bed shift and I knew Denton was beside me, I could sense his energy. I opened my eyes to see him leaning over me. He leaned in slowly and pressed his cool soft lips to mine.

“We will figure this out, love. Just give it a day and we’ll have time to come up with a plan.”

 Just then Jonah knocks and opens the door. Seeing Denton on top of me he shifts in embarrassment.

 “S-Sorry guys, but I wanted to say thank you to Denton, “You’ve saved Devon twice now and I’m in your debt.” 

 “Don’t mention it, that’s what friends do for each other.” Denton says with a sincere smile.

“You two should hop in the hot tub and relax, make yourselves comfortable we’ll talk in the morning.” Jonah says kindly.

Denton hops up and strips down to his tight black low-rise briefs and turns to me smiling “Come on then, let’s go love.”

 I look at him, so sexy standing there, tall broad shoulders and well-defined muscles running from head to toe. I couldn’t help it, I stood up stripped down and we headed for the bar to grab a drink before getting into the hot tub.

 We both sigh in satisfaction as the hot bubbling water covers our bodies. Denton sits next to me, his long black hair pulled back, his strong square jaw and muscular chest visible above the water. I shift and scoot in next to him, interlocking our fingers to hold his hand. I sigh, look him in the eye and say “I’m falling hard Denton, if you don’t feel the same here tell me now.” A look of worry clearly written across my face

“I most definitely feel the same love.” He whispers with passion and sincerity in voice.

 He puts his hand up to my face and pulls me into him kissing me with a fervent passion. I press back and meet him with equal intensity. I turn to him and straddle his groin, my cock hard against his rippled stomach. Our mouths make love to each other in ever increasing passion as our kiss becomes more heated with every second. He embraces me and I wrap my arms around him rocking as his now hard member rubs my ass. I still myself, forcing the ache in my groin to subside and sit back down next to him, with my head on his shoulder. I reach for my vodka and take it all down, its heat warming me from the inside. I feel the tension lift like so much weight off of my body. I breath in deeply content in this moment.

10.The Picnic

I woke alone in the bed. I wondered Where Denton had gone but was in need of coffee, so I made my way to the kitchen and poured a steaming cup and sat at the bar sipping. Just then Denton came in the font door and said “Good you’re up, get dressed. I have a surprise for you. It took some research but I discovered the perfect outing for us.

Denton walks towards our room looking back with a smile. His eyes bright with anticipation. I entered the bedroom and asked “What’s this all about?”

“A surprise that’s what, now get dressed.” Denton said grinning

I must say I was intrigued nobody aver gives me surprises, so I dressed and we left in one of the pack jeeps. About ten minutes and 1000 bumps after, we arrived at the base of a waterfall. Its beauty was breathtaking and the watery mist coming up from the falling water gave off bright brilliantly colored rainbows. It forced a smile to my face.

Denton blind folded me and led me several feet away and when he pulled the blindfold off, I was struck dumb by what I saw.

A large beach umbrella stood staked into the ground and a nearby table had several silver topped platters on it. A giant fluffy fur blanket lay spread out on the grassy ground. I turned with a smile and pulled Denton close to me and held him for a long embrace. Nobody has ever done anything like this for me. Joy built inside me until it spilled out in waves like the tide.

I knew Denton could feel it too but he just smiled, held my hand and led me to the large fur blanket. I sat down and asked “What is all this?” glowing inside and out.

“A romantic day off and you deserve it.” Denton stated, and he knew I was starting to agree. A day off would be wonderful.

We drank Chrystal and ate fine foods, laughed and held each other for what seemed like hours I was so relaxed I had forgotten all about the threats facing us.

Denton was different than I had ever seen him before, he was silly and extremely playful. He even tickled me making me burst out in laughter. He was light hearted and so very gentle, it made my heart trust him even more. The sun had moved and Denton adjusted the umbrella to keep us in the shade. We laid together in the late summer breeze, a peace and harmony echoed through my soul and I ached inside, longing to be kissed.

As if sensing my need he sat up, leaned over me and kissed me deeply with a passion and gentleness that took my breath away. He kissed my freckled chest and ran his fingers through my red chest hair. We sighed in unison gazing into one another’s eyes. Then he stood and reached for my hand pulling up onto my feet, holding me in his arms. Denton looked at the large pool of water at the foot of the falls and winked at me. So, we slowly undressed each other and stepped into the cool water.

 Denton ran and jumped in with a holler but I had to acclimate so I took my time. I got as far as my waist when Denton leapt out of the water and pulled me under. I resurfaced with a gasp and Denton laughed heartily.

I smiled and gave chase, around we went as I fumbled and grabbed at him, finally getting my arms around his waist. But I just stopped holding him tightly and kissing his back. He turned to me and cupped my face in his hands. Then he kissed me and said

 “I love you Ian, with all that I am, I love you, my precious Keiv.”

I couldn’t help it my heart ached for him and those lips uttering my soul name sent a joy and calmness through me. “I love you to Denton.” I said with a tear in my eye.

 I mean I’ve had deep feelings for another thirty years ago and never thought I would be happy again after losing him. Until now. I feel complete somehow now, and it’s a feeling I will never let go of. I will nurture this man with love and with all that I am. Evening began to approach and Tired from the food, the sun and the swimming we sensed it was time to head back to Devon’s. We packed the picnic up in the jeep and went back to the comfort of the warm bed waiting for us.

11. A plan is forming

Ian wakes in my arms with a yawn. He can sense the smile behind him and turns his head to look at me.”

“Feeling rested love?” I ask tenderly

 He smiles, moans and sits up on the edge of the bed stretching his muscles.  “ Mmm, Hmm.” He grunts as he stands and puts on his robe.

I get out of the bed and put my own robe and slippers on and head for the main room. We seem to be the first ones up. Then Ian comes out and heads for the kitchen to grab breakfast just as Devon and Jonah come down the stairs in their pajamas.” Good morning guys.” Jonah says with a smile.

Ian and I say hello in return and they all head to the cereal boxes. I frown and say ”I got this.” As I take the cereal boxes saying “I don’t even eat and know better than to put that in my body.”  As they all scowl at me I start making breakfast.

 “When Denton pulled the cereal from everyone’s hands, I got a little worried.” Thought Ian, until he started in on a long story about the inner workings of the digestive system. Then everyone started really getting odd looks on their faces.  To be honest it made me smile while we all just listened, until breakfast was set out on the now bullet ridden table. We all seemed quite pleased and surprised to see pancakes and bacon with omelet’s and orange juice. We dug in with enthusiasm as Denton nibbled on a bacon strip with a smile.

After breakfast Devon and Jonah went for a run while Denton and Ian went into town to gather topographical information on all known caverns in the area.

They reached the ranger station a ways up the mountain and asked for any maps containing the information they needed. The ranger thought for a moment and snapped his fingers. Pulling out a small box he blew the dust off and plopped it on the counter. Ian and Denton went through page by page ruling out all the easy ones to reach and started in on remote ones near any rivers. Finally, they discovered one such cavern that followed an underground river upstream. “That has to be it.” Ian said

“It’s the most likely.” Says Denton in return

“Let’s head back down into town and get the supplies we need for backpacking and climbing. “says Ian. Denton flashes his credit card with a mischievous grin.

As they drive down the mountain side, hitting the sporting goods store they pick up climbing gear, emergency rations and camp gear. After Denton pays the clerk with much more enthusiasm than necessary, they leave to head to Devon’s around dusk. Suddenly Ian slumps over in his set holding his stomach and says “OH, no, they’re here, the ward is being assaulted.”

Denton slams down on the gas and they make it to Devon’s to find the wolves already packing into jeeps and heading to their assigned locations reviewed in Jonah’s instructions

 “Let’s do this!” Denton hollers excitedly and they race to get ready for the coming fight.

Moments later both Ian and Devon Come out in skin tight black leather covered in magical runes and Denton emerges in grey leather pants with a black bullet proof vest.  No sleeves and his black hair pulled back in a long braid.

Jonah says “Finally, let’s move.”

They hop into the jeep and head for the northeastern perimeter where the attack on the ward is the heaviest. As they slide to a stop they hop out and all is quiet. Jonah sniffs the air and growls “Everywhere!” He growls as he shifts into half man half wolf. Ian and Devon scan the tree lines carefully when a voice rings out. “You can’t stop us, the gods will it, he must die before the earth burns.”

 They all focus on the dark mage in front of them. Ian yells “Look out they’re inside the wards!”

 Just then battle cries pierce the air and suddenly they are surrounded. Ian’s eyes close and pebbles and sticks start to float at their feet. Suddenly a boom echoes and the dark mages surrounding them fly back in all directions landing hard on the rough ground.  They all four rush their enemies. Jonah’s powerful claws rip and slash through the cultists like razors sending their bloody bodies in all directions. One by one he charges them slashing and biting before they can even cast on him.

Ian and Devon spin and weave through the cultists like wind, kicking and punching with magical strikes. Ian closes his fist and his hand glows red hot as seven black mage cultists run towards him throwing back balls of magic at him. Ian jumps into the air dodging and as he lands, he opens his glowing fist and fireballs shoot out at all seven of them setting them ablaze. Fire and lightning dances around him while he and Devon begin deflecting spell after dark spell filling the air around them with a distortion. Devon turns just in time to catch five mages in a freeze spell and they all stand frozen in deadly ice.

 Denton blinks from one location to another never staying for more than a second, each time slashing his victims with inhumanly powerful attacks. He blinks again and catches one about to hit Jonah with a curse, grabbing him from behind he slices the mages throat nearly severing his head. Blinking again and again he drops enemies one by one appearing just long enough to slash with his razor like nails. Disappearing, reappearing, body’s dropping like so many flies.

 Finally, they stop coming and when the last of them fall, the four stand breathing heavily, all of them winded from the strain on their bodies.

 Blood peppering their skin they look around waiting intently, then a flash pops high in the sky and far off howling echoes through the air. “They’re withdrawing?” Jonah asks with surprise. Another series of howls and his face hardens “We have to get back now!”

They rush back to Devon and Jonah’s to find the team leaders waiting. “Where’s Michael, and Sarah?” Jonah demands.

The head team leader, one of Jonah’s trusted inner guard looks down at the ground and says” Michael and Sarah were taken.” Jonah Growls in rage throwing his fists around. “we’ll get them back, Jonah I promise.” Cries Devon. Jonah Huffs “How? We have no idea where they were taken!”

Denton steps up with a devilish grin saying “We do.”

After Ian explains the location of the cavern, Jonah picks four wolves to go along as scouts and lookouts. They all check their equipment and their packs making sure to have the necessities.

”Let’s head out.” Ian says. “It’s sunrise, that gives us less than fourteen hours to get there before dark and we have no idea what’s waiting for us along the way.” The group of eight pack into jeeps and head into the forest.

 Denton stares at Ian thinking he’d go mad if he lost this man. The determination to protect him boils in his belly, for the first time in two hundred years he feels the strange crippling sensation of -----FEAR.

12.Michael

 Michael wakes to the loud clang of metal ringing over and over until he growls in anger.  The man at the front of the metal cage says

“Good you’re not dead.  Would have been such a pity.” The man laughs and walks away.

Michael looks around the fog starting to clear except for the pounding in his head. As he goes to move, he hears a scrape. He looks down to find an iron cuff around his ankle and a small length of heavy chain fastened to the rock wall.

  He sees a tall plastic cup full of water and picks it up sniffing its contents. Smelling no contaminants, he gulps the liquid down cooling his dry burning throat. Then he tries to stand and grunts in pain. His leg, it’s broken. Sighing he wonders why the bone hasn’t healed already. Then looks around searching for anything he can use but the room is surprisingly clear of objects. He lays back on the sandy floor and passes out.

 Suddenly the doors clack open and three mages in studded black cloth armor come in and grab him holding his head back. The fourth man forces open Michael’s mouth and pours a smelly stinging gulp of liquid into his mouth. Michael spits and chokes as he struggles but the man refills his mouth and clamps his nose and mouth shut. Michael resists for as long as he can, his lungs on fire, his body screaming for air, he gulps the liquid and coughs and gasps to catch his breath as the man laughs “Good dog.” and walks out.

That smell, it was wolfs bane. They forced wolfs bane into me to keep me in human form and slow my healing.

 Moments pass and the door clangs open again only this time Sarah is thrown to the ground. Sarah lands hard with a grunt. With the wind knocked out of her she curls up and rolls to the side coughing. Michael scoots over and gathers her up in his arms. ” Sarah. Sarah you ok?” He asks. “Shit what do you think? I got force fed wolfs bane and the shit kicked out of me. How about you?” she asked quietly

“Fed wolfs bane too and I think my legs broken.” States Michael.  Sarah examines his leg and nods In agreement, “yeah it’s fractured” she states.

Then a guard clangs on the bars and yells “QUIET DOGS!”

“What are we gonna do? “whispers Sarah. “Nothing, I can’t even stand. They still have their magic and we can’t even shift or heal ourselves. We are fucked until backup gets here, but if I know Jonah they’re already on the way.

 The doors clang and open and the guard’s storm in, uncuffing Michael and grabbing him up dragging him out the door.  Sarah struggles to help but is thrown to the ground and kicked in the stomach. “down doggy” laughs the guard.

They drag Michael into a well-lit cave and tie him to a chair.

“Now you will tell me how many are coming, what they’re capable of and when they plan on attacking” commands the guard in a cocky tone.

Michael spits and laughs at the interrogator. The man chuckles and says “ok have it your way.”  Screams echo through the caverns as the man bends Micheal’s broken leg. “talk!” The interrogator yells.

“Never mage, I’ll die first.” Michael replies.

“NO, you won’t die I can make this last for as long as necessary.” The interrogator laughs.

 Michaels screams echo through the caverns for most of the morning. Then they return with Michael dragging him in and throwing him to the rocky, sandy ground. Sarah scampers to his side and lifts his head onto her lap. She reaches for the water and puts it to his lips, he drinks then falls unconscious.

13.End of the road beginning of the journey

Ian sits in the front passenger side of the jeep with Jonah behind the wheel. Ian navigates Jonah through the forest service roads with practiced ease. Denton sits in the back with Devon smiling in silence. This is probably the most fun he’s had in decades.

 The forest road becomes more and more treacherous the higher up the mountain they go until they reach a dead end. Jonah hits the breaks bringing the vehicle to a sliding stop and sending dust billowing into the air. They all step out and Devon say’s “end of the road.”

“we go on foot from here.” Says Jonah

They all begin to grab their packs and double check their supplies. Then swinging the packs on their backs, they head for the deep woods. They weave a crooked path checking the compass making sure their direction remains true then they come to a deep river. They begin to search while the scouts stay hidden in the woods. Devon and Jonah go up stream while Ian and Denton go downstream.  After an hour they hear Jonah howl and one of the scouts jumps out of a tree and says “Jonah’s found a way across.” Meeting back up an hour later they head upstream to a small but sturdy looking wooden bridge. The water rushes about fifteen feet below it. As Jonah goes to step onto the bridge Denton suddenly grabs him staring at the bridge intently.

 “Be mindful Jonah this bridge has been spelled.” Denton says with a warning.

“If it is they went to great lengths to mask the magic, how do you know Denton?” Devon asks.

“Vampires can see an aura around things touched by magic and this bridge is lit the hell up with dark magic.” He states. Ian and Jonah decide to attempt a cleansing spell to dispel the magic. Ian and Devon approach the bridge and begin to repeat two words over and over their hands start to glow and the wind kicks up as the water begins to rush faster and faster. They keep chanting and the wind starts to howl and thunder crashes in the sky. Suddenly they break off stopping the cleanse and panting. As they catch their breath Ian say’s “It’s too powerful we can’t dispel it.”

Jonah turns red as Ian says “Well we can dampen the effects maybe.”

“Ok do it Ian.” Says Jonah

Ian closes his eyes and the air grows silent and still as if there was no sound anywhere in the world but their voices. It’s a counter spell should make us invisible to the magic but we have to go one by one and slowly.

Jonah says “Ok I go first then Devon, Ian, and Denton followed with the scouts bringing up the rear.”

Ian interjects “I’ll bring up the rear, I have to maintain the spell from here.”

Jonah agrees with a nod and steps slowly onto the bridge one step, then two, then three and stops. Looking back at Ian, who then gives him the thumbs up as Jonah turns and continues to the other side. Denton follows slowly across the bridge but slips slightly half way across, The wind kicks up and the water crashes then calm again as Devon stands frozen in place. He builds his courage and starts across again this time making it all the way. Denton nimbly walks across and smiles from the other side. The four scouts slowly creep to the other side and Jonah nods as he takes his first steps out onto the treacherous bridge. He slowly and carefully gets to the other side but before he makes the last few steps one of the planks breaks fully unleashing the curse on the bridge. The winds begin to roar and the water crashes by in a furious swirl of foamy white water. Ian hangs from the bridge, the wind battering his face. He tries to pull himself up but his hands begin to slip on the now moist wood. They all watch in helpless horror as Ian strains to hold on. One hand falls away and the other quickly follows. As he loses hold, he begins to fall, fear and panic gripping him. Suddenly a massive jerk on his arm and Denton is above him holding him with one hand.

 “I got you love!” Denton yells

 As the curse slams them harder still. Denton holds onto Ian’s wet hand absolutely determined to save him, but the curse is too strong. The bridge creeks and cracks as parts start flying off with the force of the now gale force winds. Thunder and lightning crack in the air. Devon looks in fear, then he jumps forward outstretching his arms and chants. Devon’s determination unleashes the power within him as he mentally pushes against the curse, then in a sudden surge hits his chest. He feels Jonah’s magic merge with his, a deep untapped well of pure magic now at his disposal. He squints his eyes and pushes harder and the winds begin dying. The water slows as Devon’s eyes begin to glow a bright blue. “HURRY!” Devon yells

Denton heaves Ian up into his arms and they rush to safety. Devon collapses in a giant sigh falling to his knees panting as the winds pick back up and begin tearing the bridge apart. They gather their wits and quickly move on, into the woods.

Hours pass as they navigate the thick forest floor. Jonah looks up at the setting sun and growls “we have to stop and make camp.”

Knowing they didn’t make very good time today Jonah sits on a nearby outcropping overlooking the dark canyon and huffs, tossing a rock over the edge. Devon approaches and sits down next to him laying his head on Jonah’s shoulder. They sit staring up at the near full moon.

  Ian and the four scouts work on setting up the camp, popping tents and getting the campfire started. Denton stands against a tree staring into the fire with his now silvery shining eyes chewing on a blade of grass. He pulls out the rations and starts heating up everyone something to eat. He tinkers and adds his seasonings mixing and stirring the pans sitting atop the portable camp stove.

 Ian asks “where did you have room for that?”

“I don’t sleep much remember, I skipped the sleeping bag and bed roll and packed this.” Denton says smiling at his portable stovetop.

As everyone gets a whiff they start to gather around the fire. Denton Pulls out two big bottles of scotch and smiles at everyone saying

“ Help yourselves we’re stuck here all night after all, enjoy it a little.”

Jonah smiles and is the first one to take two big swigs then lifting the bottle and nodding a sign to his pack members it’s ok to partake.

 The bottle makes the rounds and everyone begins to loosen up and laugh a little, letting the weight of their mission slip into the background. Dinners ready and they all eat heartily, some nodding off by the fire as others make their way to their tents.

Ian opens his sleeping bag and pats it signaling Denton to undress and join him. As Denton slips in naked he feels the warmth of his mate on his cold skin. It soothes Denton somehow and Ian turns on his side and puts his head on Denton’s chest. Running his hands up and down Denton’s firm rippled abs, he feels the heat of arousal creep in. They hold each other tight as Ian whispers “I love you.”

14.Day two

 Dark purplish lightning flashes in the cloudy sky as the sound of massive flapping wings breaks the silence of the night. A deafening screech echoes on the wind and then the sight of Devon bound to a pole, his wrists cut, blood pooling beneath him and black flames born of dark magic... Ian is ripped from his sleep, the world slowly coming into focus as he looks up at Denton’s face wrought with concern.

Wiping sweat from his brow he whispers “My vision has changed.”

Shaking he holds Denton tight willing the vision out of his mind and centering himself. “Ok, I’m ok now.” Ian says as he dresses.

Two scouts left at dawn to scout ahead while the other two stayed to help pack up the camp. They set out an hour after sunrise. The forest takes on a jungle like sense about it as the brush gets thicker and travel is hindered considerably. They thrash through the wild growth and come to a much less overgrown section of forest. Denton hollers “It’s glowing with magic so watch yourselves.”

 Ian takes the front of the line with Jonah following then Denton with Devon bringing up the rear. They cautiously navigate the enchanted woods spying strange creatures in streams and fairy’s fluttering about, magic sparkling in the air like mist. They all look in awe. Then the beauty begins to fade and a shadow falls over the forest. The scent of death creeps through the air and the trees become twisted and sickly. The once firm ground now a deadly swamp.

“What in the nine hells is this?” Jonah gasps as the smell of death gets stronger. They all go on high alert as they make their way through the fowl soggy earth before them.

Hours later they hear a maniacal otherworldly giggling pierce the air. They stiffen and slowly keep moving, then crackles of twigs breaking on their left, they turn to see nothing, then the right, then behind them but as they turn around again three figures rise from the swamp with a hiss. A putrid smelly fog pours off the creatures and drifts over them all. They fight and struggle to move but they fall to the ground paralyzed. As the tall strange hooded figures gather them into nets and begin dragging them, they are helpless to resist.

They finally stop at a strange stick structure that opens to a ramp leading down under the earth. This is the source of death. The smell is overwhelming. The creatures drop them and move away locking a cage door behind them. Facing Ian and the group they start giggling “they will make a fine meal yum, yum, yum, yum! I want them now!” screeches one as they remove their hoods to reveal three swamp hags.

“Oh, shit not good.” Says Ian “swamp hags they eat the flesh of their prey and they only prey on magical beings in order to regain their youth.” “Great!” growls Jonah.  Ian whispers in fear “Where’s Denton?”

 The group looks around and sees him chained to a wall near the three hags. They watch as one hag slices a fillet of flesh off Denton’s abdomen. Denton screams in agony as the hag licks and sniffs it then throws it into a large pot sitting over a fire. “OH, his magic is potent, yummy!” screeches the hag.

Shoving her aside another hag slices more flesh from Denton’s chest. More screams fill the air. Ian screams “STOP!!”

Just then one hag rushes over to the cage and laughs saying “you’re next little one!”

Ian braces as the hags open the cage. Jonah tries to shift but grabs his head screaming. One hag looks at Jonah and waves a finger saying “No, No, NO You don’t.” The hags grab Ian’s hair and drag him out as he thrashes and fights. Ian’s eyes see Denton’s limp body and he reacts tearfully. “I won’t lose my love not now not ever.” His eyes light up glowing golden brown and he stands up. The hags laugh and with a wave of the hand they send Ian crashing into the far wall. “This one is strong.” She says licking her lips.

Ian looks up and his glowing eyes meet hers, he begins to tremble and shake as if straining against some invisible force. The hag stumbles slightly and Ian reasserts his efforts over the hag’s mind, the hag turns and waves her hand at her sisters sending them tumbling to the ground. They hiss and gasp in shock as Ian’s jerks against the hags will, robotically she grabs the knife and drags it across her own throat, black sludge spraying out showering her sisters. Ian slumps to the floor panting then rushes to the cage to release his companions.

 Unlocking the door, they rush the hags and get thrown backwards through the air. Then Devon spots a totem wrapped in meat and hair. He rushes to it and begins ripping it to shreds. The two remaining hags scream in terror. Suddenly they all feel their magic return in a dizzying rush. The werewolves all shift and leap at the hags ripping and tearing their putrid flesh until the screams end in a gurgling death rattle.

Ian stands and cuts Denton loose, his body weak from blood loss. Ian cries “Give us a minute alone please.”

When the others leave, he cradles Denton in his lap lifting Denton’s head to his neck. “Please baby please don’t go, please don’t leave me!”

He jerks Denton again then drags a dagger across his neck causing blood to run freely. He then pulls Denton back into his neck the blood running across Denton’s lips. Then Denton moans and licks at the blood as Ian presses Denton’s mouth to the wound, Denton clamps down sucking gently. Denton moans and pulls away panting. Then he pricks his finger presses out a drop of blood and drops it in the gash on Ian’s neck and the wound quickly closes. They embrace one another. As Denton’s wounds heal closed.

“I thought I’d lost you Denton.” Ian says with tears in his eyes. Denton smiles “You saved my life. I love you Ian, always remember that.”

 Weary they emerge to the others clapping, happy to see them both alive.

They gather their things and make for the mountain slope. They’ve cleared the swamp and are now in thick forest once again, only now a light dusting of snow scattered here and there. They lost precious daylight and now it’s dusk. They stop and make camp. luckily, they had their packs on through the ordeal with the hags. They quickly set up the tents and start a roaring campfire. Denton cooks for everyone then goes to his and Ian’s tent. Wrapping up in Ian’s sleeping bag he shivers from the cold and snuggles in tight.

Ian come in a while later after eating and crawls in with Denton. He can see Denton is weak from his ordeal. He leans into him and says “Drink baby. You need your strength. I can handle it I promise.”

Denton hesitates then gently bites down sucking slowly so he doesn’t draw too much. Then he releases as he yawns and smiles up at Ian. “Thanks love, for taking care of me.” They snuggle in close and drift off together.

15. Victory and loss

 Ian and Denton wake up in each other’s arms and crawl free of the sleeping bag. Ian takes a step then stumbles and Denton grabs him in his strong arms and steadies him and says ”You’ve lost too much blood.”

 Ian sits on the ground and points to his belt. Denton reaches over grabs the belt and hands it to Ian. Ian removes a small vial containing a glowing purple liquid. Denton smiles and say’s “Is that fae tonic.”

Ian looks up with a grin and says “I was prepared in case you needed a lot of blood in an emergency.”

He tilts his head back and pours the glowing liquid down his throat in one gulp. The tonic hits his belly like a magical shockwave and begins to infuse his every cell with potent magical energy. The next minute Ian feels like a million bucks, better than ever. The group packs up camp and heads further up the mountain. They stop to get their bearings as Ian pulls out a G.P.S. and gets their coordinates then comparing them on the map they see their exact location and they’re on the last leg of the journey.

 The last part is the worst thinks Ian. Hearing his thoughts Denton looks at him and smiles. Only a few miles to the mouth of the cave. The trees are much sparser here and the ground growing snowier the further they climb.

The hours pass as the sun rises to its zenith. They come to the spot on the map where the cave is marked but see nothing but the sloping mountainside. “This is it, where the hell is the cave?” Growls Jonah.

Denton looks intently for a moment and says” OH, it’s here alright, it’s concealed by magic I can see it.” Ian and Devon give each other a glance then hold each other’s hands and begin reciting ancient words. The ground rumbles slightly then, silence. “It didn’t work, this illusion is powerful.” Says Ian

They try again this time straining against the magic, concentrating. They both begin to breath heavy as the ground shakes and rumbles, then with a flash the illusion shatters revealing the caves hidden entrance. It’s a large cave mouth about half a mile in diameter. “This is it every one, let’s get ready to repel down.” Jonah says eagerly

As the six of them prepare for the decent two of the scouts stay to guard the ropes. Fastening their gear and double checking the lines and tension they begin lowering themselves to the dark depths of the cave floor. Almost there, Devon and Ian turn their head and shoulder lights on as the others chuckle. “What we’re not all able to see in the dark now.” Spits Devon.

 They reach the bottom and strange rock formations rise from the cave floor. They unhook the ropes and head upstream along the waters of the underground river. They carefully navigate the jagged rocks and after an hour and a half they reach a well-lit cavern entrance. They all prepare their battle gear and magical items, then enter the caverns.

The torchlight is well maintained and these footprints fresh, meaning these caverns are used often. They carefully and methodically make their way through the tunnels following the clear and potent scent of black magic. They pass cages with magical animals and the sight sickens them all. These poor creatures but we have a mission, find Michael and Sarah and get the hell out.

 Jonah catches a scent, a hint of something familiar, so they turn down one of the side caverns. They weave through undetected dodging the occasional guard. Then the cavern opens into a large corridor with cages lining the walls. He can smell Michael and Sarah’s scent now very strongly. They weave their way to Michael and Sarah’s cage with ease and a sigh of relief escapes them.

Michael sniffs the air and turns in shock “Jonah no go back it’s a ---

“Trap. Yes, of course it is, what other use would we have for keeping these animals’ captive?” the guard sneers.

 Jonah says “Let us take our people and go, and nobody gets hurt.”

The guard laughs and claps his hands as thirty more guards enter the large cavern. 

Jonah says “Really that’s all you got?” then lets out an echoing howl.

All hell breaks loose, Denton hisses and draws out his razor claws as Jonah and the scouts transform into half man half werewolf fighting machines. The black mages surround the small group as Ian and Devon gather their magic and stand at the ready. The dark mages fly into action raining dark energy down on them but just before it strikes, Ian throws up his hands and a magical shield encapsulates them in a shimmering dome. It repels the attacks one by one in a brilliant display of sparkling energy.  As Ian strains to maintain the shield Devon starts to gather magic in his hands, swirling and glowing in an ever-expanding ball of light. The shield begins cracking and sparking as it starts to buckle under the barrage. Devon’s hands separate and the magic ball blasts outward sending all the mages falling backwards.

 In that very second, we attack, werewolf’s ripping and tearing at flesh blood sailing everywhere as the dark mages scream and scatter.

Ian seizes an opportunity and slams his hands to the ground sending jolts of electricity snapping and popping up under groups of them, bodies falling limp everywhere.

 Denton blinks from victim to victim faster than the eye can see slashing down any dark mage standing within sight. The mages start to panic and retreat but the werewolf’s block their path to freedom with their deadly claws. 

They fight back spraying acid at us but Ian’s hands reach out and shield each of us, the strain on him enormous as he maintains six magical shields. The acid subsides and Ian drops the spell and grabs his chest panting.

Devon swings his arm across the battlefield and the earth comes alive like water pulling the dark mages down onto it as it hardens like glass. It Leaves most of them dead and the rest half encased in the earth.

 Everyone takes a breath as Michael and Sarah are freed from their bonds. Jonah howls and they all start making their way through the caverns to freedom. Then a blast knocks them all to the ground and the Grand magus of the phoenix order stands over them on a rock outcropping. He laughs and hits them all with jolts of electricity. As the Grand Magus’s acolytes tie them all up to posts Devon is dragged before the grand magus.

The tall dark hooded man stands atop a stone alter and laughs. Ian see’s the one they call the grand magus and his heart sinks “That’s the hooded figure from my vision, and the alter is where Devon was sacrificed.” he thinks to himself.

 Don’t struggle, this will be easy, all you have to do is die and your blood will seal this tomb forever. I tried the easy road but the assassins all failed. That’s right, I wanted you here all this time, and I knew Jonah, the loyal dog, would stop at nothing to save his people. Thusly bringing you right to me.

Ian looks up to see Brian standing with an athame, a sacrificial dagger. Ian panics and strains against his restraints but it’s no use.

 Denton hisses at Ian and grins, his hands free he slices Ian’s bindings with his sharp nails. They grab Devon and drag him to the alter, tying him to its pole. Brian looks at me and laughs with an evil smile.

Rage, hurt, fear, panic and pride all rush through Ian, his eyes light up bright and golden as all the hurt and humiliation flood to the surface. He stands and outstretches his hands, hot white magical beams burst out of them. Brian rushes to Devon and slices his wrists. Blood flows freely and Ian’s mind goes wild, he looks at his companions and squints breaking their bindings and freeing them. Then he moves towards Brian as Brian says “You don’t have the fight in you Ian you never have, you’re weak!”

Ian smiles and leaps towards him kicking him in the chest knocking him back in a flash of light. He stands back up and rushes Ian with a spin kick, Ian blocks and they go at it hard, twirling and kicking one another exchanging blows one for one.  The ground shakes then Ian sees it, a thirty foot stone phoenix stands frozen in time, this is the beast from Ian’s visions. “They WANT it loosed upon the world!” He thinks to himself.

 Ian stops fighting and raises one hand Brian freezes in place. Ian strains with all his might to hold Brian frozen, Brian’s mind fights back and the two are locked in a battle of sheer will. Both straining both unyielding and then Ian feels it the sudden burst of magical energy rushes through him, it feels like --Denton? It’s his soul mate’s vampire magic bolstering his own, the rush blasts through him and he can taste the raw potent power, he pushes it towards Brian. Brian begins to shake and scream as blood starts to pour from his nose. Then Brian’s magic gives out and icy blue covers him from head to toe, he stiffens and then with a flick of Ian’s finger Brian shatters into countless pieces.

The grand magus stands reciting a spell to free the dark phoenix as the earth rumbles and shakes in response to the blood sacrifice.

 Jonah walks up behind the grand magus and slashes his throat dropping him to the ground with a thud. 

The mountain rumbles again. They all surround Devon lowering him down off the alter. Ian shudders at the sight of his pale face. Jonah scoops him up onto his lap and sobs. “NO, baby, No, I need you, I love you baby PLEASE!”

 Ian stands refusing to believe it, refusing to let Devon go. He grabs Denton’s hand and strains against the ether tearing into the astral plane with the sheer force of his raw magic. He calls to Devon pushing his own soul deeper and deeper into the abyss. He feels his earthly tether weaken but he doesn’t give up, he strains with all his will searching through the darkness. Then he catches a glimpse of light and pulls, pulls harder than he’s ever pulled with his mind, dragging Devon back from oblivion. He pulls even harder as he can feel his own body letting go of his soul.  He pushes Devon and wills his spirit back into his body. Ian falls to the ground as Devon gasps for air. Jonah kisses and caresses Devon’s face as his wrists begin to heal.

 Denton gently slaps at Ian’s face and shakes him “wake up baby come on, stay with me!” Denton can hear Ian’s heart beat abnormally slow. Devon stands up trembling “Ian, it was Ian! He pulled me away from death and forced me into my body again!” Devon’s says with tears in his eyes.

Devon wabbles and Jonah steadies him. Devon throws a gem on the ground and stomps it opening a portal home, Denton picks up Ian’s limp body and they all solemnly walk through. Denton carries Ian all the way to his estate.

Over the next few days Denton calls in the finest doctors from all over the globe but nobody can give any answers as to why he’s in a coma and growing weaker. The magical healers have no answers either. Denton sits at his bedside and for the first time in two hundred fifty years cries real tears.

16. Denton

 I sit vigilant as ever by my mate’s side gently running my fingers through his thick red hair and think of the times we’ve spent together. I’d never been so happy with anyone in all my centuries on this earth as I’ve been with Ian. I begin to shudder as another wave of tears well in my eyes.

Suddenly Jones is in the doorway.” Excuse me sir, a gentleman is here to see you, One Mr. Devon sir.” “Show him up Jones, thank you.” I say drying my eyes.

 A moment later Devon enters and says. “Hey Denton, how is he today?”

I breath a heavy sigh and reply “The same, still as death. The doctors and the healers all say his body is dying, but for reasons they can’t explain.” My throat strains trying not to crack “I’ve had them all here, magic healers mundane Doctors and even a shaman and they all leave bewildered. It’s like his spirit has just given up.” I say slamming my fist on the desk.

Devon’s eyes grow wide “what exactly did he do to pull me back to my body” He asks. Denton shrugs “I could only pick up thoughts through our mate bond.” “What did you hear?” asks Devon.

 “I heard him calling for you, then something like push harder, go deeper and the abyss. Oh, and something about a tether growing weak?” I finish with a shrug.

Devon’s eyes grow wide “that’s it, He’s trapped in the death planes! That has to be it! His souls tether to his body must have weakened and broke before he could return to it.”

“What can we do? Please Devon I can help, I’ll do anything to get him back!” I said with a look of sheer desperation.

“Good, because your spirit will be the strongest in the death planes, I would just end up like Ian, But I can send you into the planes and watch, strengthen you from here. I’ll be back I need some things from home!” Devon states excitedly.

Finally, a glimmer of hope in the middle of my agonizing despair. My heart sped up a little and I felt blood rush to my face. The sensation threw me off balance and I staggered. I’ve never felt my heart beat so fast in my chest, or blood in my cheeks before. I moved to the mirror and was amazed to see a faint shade of pink dust my cheeks.

 The amazement subsides as the thought of holding Ian and feeling his amazing touch again raced through my mind. How I’ve missed him these past couple of weeks since the battle. All thoughts of loneliness and despair fell away as I smiled in anticipation.

 Reaching the House Devon thrashed through cabinets in his magic study. Yanking out ingredients and stuffing them into a duffle bag. Devon pauses “what am I missing.” he ponders for a moment then blurts, “The gemstone!”. As he rushes to the desk yanking open the drawer Jonah steps into the doorway asking “What’s going on? Is everything alright?” 

Devon just grabs the duffle and drags Jonah along with him. Snatching up the car keys Jonah says “Where are we going?”

Denton says with excitement,” I know how to wake Ian and I will need the power of our bond to pull this off!”

Jonah now invigorated with a new purpose presses firmly on the gas and they race to Ian’s side.

Approaching Dentons mansion in record time they lurch to a stop the tires digging into the lavishly pebbled driveway. Snatching up the duffle Devon and Jonah race into the giant white stone mansion rush up the staircase and turn the corner into Dentons massive master bedroom. Denton looks at them intently.

Devon stops, centers himself saying “I have to concentrate. This ritual has to be laid out precisely right or it could be deadly.”  A stillness fills the room as Jonah pats his hand on Denton’s shoulder in a gesture of kind reassurance. They exchange awkward smiles and stare in silence as Devon prepares a large round circle drawn out in chalk on the floor. He takes measurements and strategically places crystals and magical stones in key positions along the chalk line. Then finishes with a few candles and a dusting of Himalayan pink salt.

 The whole thing took just over an hour to prepare. Devon stares at the soul gate he’s created and studies it carefully, making certain he has done everything perfectly. He makes slight adjustments and smiles in satisfaction.

“Ok, Denton you grab Ian and carefully place him in the center with his head at the north.” Devon instructs.

 Denton quickly and carefully removes the I. V’s and monitors from Ian’s body and gently picks him up with ease. Then gently places him in the circle exactly as instructed being very cautious to not disturb anything.

“Now sit at his feet and place both hands on his legs.” Devon instructs.

Denton does just as instructed and Devon turns out the lights. In the quiet of the dark room, Devon begins reciting an ancient spell and the air begins to stir in the once still room. Denton looks around as the candles ignite in a flash burning an eerie blue. Then Devon says “close your eyes and concentrate on Ian and nothing else, and hold onto this gem and don’t let it go.” Devon hands Denton a pink gemstone. Denton closes his hand tightly around the stone as Devon begins chanting.

 Devon closes his eyes and pushes his magic out to fill the room and the very air seems to grow dense and staticky as the scent of ozone dances through the room. Curtains and tapestries flail in the wind as Denton’s thought are solely on Ian. “Ian’s smile, his stride as he walks, his feel on my skin.” thinks Denton and then something tugs gently in his chest. Then he suddenly slams to the ground on his back, knocking the wind out of him. As he stands up, he realizes the world is very different then it should be. “The death planes.” Denton thinks to himself.

 As I look around me the land is dull in color, dilapidated buildings line the dirty streets and I feel a familiar tug in my chest. I follow the sensation through the streets of crumbling black and grey buildings. An occasional pale looking individual staring blankly down at me with hollow eyes.  I push forward deeper into the network of narrowing streets as the occasional encounter becomes more frequent.” These hollow-eyed people are the souls of the dead no doubt.” Thinks Denton as he makes his way deeper. He passes a woman weeping cradling something. Denton asks her if she’s alright and the woman’s head turns unnaturally toward him and starts howling an unearthly sound as he sees a ghostly infant limp in her arms.

He grabs his head and stumbles away in a hurry and the wailing stops but, it seems it has stirred the spirits and they start heading towards me trying to touch me. I dare not let them lest they drag me into some deathly trance, so I run. My legs move as if weighed down heavily. My sluggish strides taking my strength and I feel a strain on my soul, the tether is weakening.  I hurry toward the source of the warm feeling in my heart and as it grows stronger, I know I’m getting closer to its source.

I slow to a walk again and pass children jump roping and others tossing a ball, but I stumble on a can sending it clanging down the ghostly street. The children freeze, the jump rope falls limp and the ball bounces away echoing in the silent streets. They stare at me with blank soulless empty eyes.

 I turn and continue through an underpass and as I emerge on the other side, I see Ian’s lake house standing in the center of a bright green grassy meadow. There are no lost souls in here but my time is running out I can feel my tether grow even weaker. I enter the front door to the house and stumble into an empty living room. Blurry dripping paintings hang on the walls and out of focus pictures in frames on the counters. I make my way to the bedroom. My eyes open wide at the sight of Ian. “IAN!” I shout. But my words have no effect on him, he just rolls around on the bed laughing. Then the memory returns to me. This was right after we made love the night we first met. He’s trapped in a memory! So, I lay on the bed with him and reach for him and he pulls away from me, a look of fear and anger on his face. I whisper “it’s me baby I’m here to take you home.”

 He looks around confused and says “What? Who are you? What are you doing in my house, get out!”

  I reach for his hand and snatch it up, saying “Ian baby, It’s me, Denton.” But he just starts to struggle and pull away. Then
I realize Ian’s not his name in this plane! 

I look him in his eyes and Say “Keiv, baby, it’s Denton, we have to go now.” He stares into me as if seeing me for the first time and a wave of color and life creeps across his once deathly appearance.  He shakes his head slightly as if trying to focus his eyes and says “Denton, is it really you?”

 Tearfully I embrace him and say” Yes baby I’ve come to take you home, but we have to go NOW!” I say as a sudden weakness hits me.

Ian jumps up and we rush out of the house and make our way to the underpass. Upon reaching the other side, the spirits start to surround us as they hunger for the life force emanating from my soul. I grow weaker with every passing second. We push and shove our way through the crowd of lost souls. Until finally my legs begin to falter and I slump to one knee.

 I see my essence grow pale as my tether fades, Ian pulls and pulls on my arm but I can’t move.

 Devon and Jonah are watching intently at our deathly still bodies when my hand lights up with a pink glow that spreads over me. Devon says “His souls tether has broken, the gemstone is the only thing tying him to his earthly body now, he’s got to hurry!”

 I feel a sudden strength as a pink shimmer flows over my skin. I jump to my feet with renewed strength and we run for the portal I came through. Finally reaching the open road I landed on, we see the portal bright and glowing with the power of life itself. We leap into it and blinding light surrounds us.

 Devon paces back and forth looking down at Ian and Denton feverishly. Then suddenly they both gasp for air and start to move, slow and disoriented then Ian sits up smiles tearfully and embraces Denton in a fierce hug.

“You saved me Denton, you saved me!” Ian cries out tearfully.

Ian stands up trembling and wobbly his legs weak due to his vacant body lying still for over a week. Denton stands and looks at his own arms in amazement, then pats his chest in surprise.  Ian leans in to embrace Denton and Denton jerks back as if surprised then leans into the embrace.

Ian’s mind flashes with rage, lust, and greed as he pulls away from Denton and stares into his eyes in shock.

17.The spirit within

  It’s been a week since Denton saved me, but he’s been so different, and so distracted. He’s like a different person. I know travelling the death plane can be a shock, so I chock it up to that and move my thoughts to Devon and Jonah’s upcoming anniversary party.

 Denton said he would pick me up tonight and we would go to the club tonight. I haven’t been out lately so it sounded like fun. Denton arrives about nine p.m. in the limo which was strange, but I thought it was also a little romantic.

We arrived at the club about twenty after nine and made our way in and up to the VIP booths but this time we sat near the dance floor. We have always sat in the booth where we met but I figured oh well and let it go with a shrug. Denton went to the bar to order drinks which was not like him. After about fifteen minutes I decided to find out what was taking so long. I looked all over and could see no sign of him. So I went outside to get some air my empathic abilities sensed fear intense and wild. I quickly followed it to an alley and could see what appeared to be two men necking, but the fear was their thick and unmistakable. I ran towards them and telekinetically threw the aggressor against the brick wall on the other side of the alley.

I realized in horror it was Denton. He stood to his feet his mouth covered in blood and I stumbled back in shock.

“what the hell is this Denton?” I yelled

“Leave me alone!” he barked as he pushed me aside and went back into the club.

Before I could make my way in, security Tossed Denton out the front entrance. He glared at me and stomped to the limo and left me there in the parking lot in shock. I called Devon and he picked me up to take me home. I was too upset and confused to talk so we drove in near silence. Arriving sometime later I said thank you and shut the car door. As I made it into my house, I couldn’t help but feel that something was very wrong with Denton. He’d never been like that and his touch, I could feel every emotion like hot waves in my chest. I’ve never been able to sense his emotions before why can I now? His very demeanor is different.

I got into the hot bath and tried to put it behind me. As I lay back and enjoy the heat of the water on my tired body, I feel a familiar tug in my chest. I opened my eyes examining the steam filled room when suddenly a figure appeared standing in the corner. Goosebumps pepper my skin as the figure slowly walks towards me with its arms outstretched. I stand to my feet and suddenly the figure vanishes. My breathing was heavy as the familiar tug on my magic dissipated.

I had a very uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach and couldn’t help but think about Denton and how strange he’d acted. I mean feeding on someone in an alley like a starving rat? That was not the man I fell in love with.

The next morning, I went into the bathroom to shave, it had been a few days and my reddish blonde beard was getting scruffy. I turned the hot water faucet on and then turned to get my towel and shaving kit out from under the sink. When I looked up into the steamy mirror a letter was rubbed into the fogged glass. –K—I shivered and stepped back as another letter appeared –E—as I stared in shock more letters –I—and finally –V—I stood there struck senseless and immobile at the word KEIV, my soul name. Only one person in the world who knew it was, Denton.  I turned the faucet off and backed out of the room. Then I searched the house for anything out of the ordinary, but found nothing.

  I started thinking about Denton’s behavior ever since he saved me from the planes of death and It struck me. “Oh shit!” I said in sudden realization.

 I needed a plan and fast before it was too late. After pondering for the better part of the day I called Devon and informed him of my discovery. He was happy to help. Later that day I called and invited Denton over for a romantic night together, he agreed in a cold tone and hung up the phone. With that out of the way I had to prepare.

 The doorbell rang and I answered with a smile, Denton just gave me a cold distant look and walked in. I shut the door and turned to face him. To my surprise he looked at me in disgust. Then his features grew dark and animalistic as his fangs began to grow out from his gum’s. I knew in that moment I was right, this was NOT Denton. With a swing of my arm the rug flew to the side just as he lunged to attack me. The spirit trap I had drawn on the floor lit up with a flash and he slammed against an invisible barrier falling to the ground, he was now trapped in the circle. He punched at it but it held strong binding him in its magical snare.

Devon and Jonah walked in. Jonah stood guard as Devon and I held out our arms and began the banishing spell. Denton hissed and strained against the magic and in that moment, I knew a dark spirit had entered Denton’s vulnerable body when his souls tether had faded. A magical wind filled the room as the dark spirit began screaming and writhing in pain. Devon shouted “This spirit is strong!”

I reasserted my efforts to banish this soul possessing Denton’s body. I knew the moment my soul name appeared in the mirror that Denton’s spirit was reaching out to me warning me. I thought of Denton and how much I loved him, how our very souls were meant for each other. I burned inside with longing to feel his presence again and my magic surged. Sending the dark spirits writhing body into a trancelike state. He began to rise into the air and a dark mist formed around him. The binding circle glowed brighter now.

 I broke off and Devon felt the strain of it as he leaned in against a pulsing wave that seemed to emanate from Denton’s body. Devon reached out with his magic and connected with Jonah’s wolf magic. The dark spirit within Denton screamed in defiance. I sat on the ground and cut my hand with a dagger and then grabbed Denton’s hand and cut his palm. Then I reached out to Denton’s displaced soul and just as I felt the tug in my chest, I knew it was time. Denton was here with us. I grabbed his bloody hand in mine and as our blood mingled with a sparkling glow I called to Denton, felt his soul embrace my magic and a rush ran through my arm and hand into Denton’s body. Denton’s soul was now fighting the dark spirit for dominance over his body. I strained to aid his soul. Then as the hair on my neck stood on end a loud bang filled the house. The wind died down and his body collapsed to the ground. We broke off our spell and waited hoping Denton had taken back his body. He groaned and started to sit up then he looked up at me with that devilish grin and said” Damn love, what took you so long?”

I sighed in relief and laughed as Devon and Jonah embraced each other in celebration.

Denton sat next to me on the couch and we talked for hours. He looked at me as if he were ashamed of himself.  He looked into me with tears in his eyes, wrapped his arms around me and sobbed. I held him tight and tried to comfort him. Then took his hand and led him to bed. Laying naked under the sheets we held one another face to face. He looked into my eyes and said “How can you bear to look at me, after the way I treated you?”

I caressed his face, wiped away his tears and told him “It wasn’t you that did those things to me. I know that and I love you with all my soul.”

He smiled and sighed then looking deep into my soul he kissed me, hard and passionate. I threaded my fingers through his long black hair.

I fell asleep in his tender embrace, happier than ever to feel deep unwavering sensation of his love again.

18.Denton

 For the last week I’ve been lavishing Ian with gifts and flowers on a daily basis. My heart had broken when I heard of the things I had done. Even though it was not me who did them, it was my face that was filled with the look of evil and I knew it had to have hurt him. My guilt was getting to me and I had no idea how to right those wrongs.

 I decided I would show him how much I loved and cherished him. I told him my driver would pick him up at eight.

That evening it was almost nine and I heard Jones greet Ian at the door. I stood in the parlor and sat at the piano. I began to play one of my favorite classical compositions and waited patiently. He walked in dressed in black slack and a green silk dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up stretched tight around his bicep’s. His shirt unbuttoned enough I could spy the golden red hair on his chest. His slacks tight fitting, driving me wild with desire.

He approached the piano and I pointed to a cocktail glass that contained his favorite Vodka. He smiled and watched me intently as I finished the musical composition. Then I stood to my feet and hugged him looking down into those golden-brown eyes I’d come to know and love. He was everything to me, he was life to me and I would do anything for him.

  He looked up at me and grinned. I made my way to an iced bottle of French champagne and popped the top and we both chuckled over him flinching. We drank and I hit the lights and turned the music on. We danced around the parlor running into things and breaking vases but I just smiled and held him dancing all the while.

Jones announced dinner and I led him upstairs to my master bedroom and out onto the balcony overlooking the city. I had a small dining table set up with white linen cloth and plate settings for two. Jones stood at the ready bringing each course as he cleared the last. About two hours later we finished our small luxurious gourmet meal. I told jones that would be all and poured us each a glass of brandy. As he sipped, I stood behind him kissing his shoulder and the back of his neck as I unbuttoned his shirt from behind and pulled it off.

I could hear his pulse quicken and I turned him to face me and unbuttoned his pants. After a moment he reached up unbuttoning my shirt, I ran my hand down his chest hair and abs to his waist. He pulled my shirt off and we embraced in a deep passionate kiss. It felt like the first time we met, my heart quickened and I slowly lowered his pants until they dropped to the floor as he did the same to me.

Suddenly we were standing naked in each other’s arms slowly making our way to the bed. We crawled up onto the cloudy surface as I kissed his neck and chest teasing his hard nipples. His hand made its way to my groin and I let out a moan as he gently caressed my manhood. I could feel his desire like warm waves wash over me. I kissed his hairy chest and his hard-rippled abs, then I slowly teased his cock with my tongue, he arched his back in pleasure and I took him deep into my mouth longingly.

 I bobbed and teased until I could tell he was fevered with desire. Then I pulled his ass into the air and attacked his tight hole with my hungry tongue and mouth tasting, teasing, sending jolts of ecstasy through him. I sat up and pulled his legs around me as l slowly lubed his tight hole. I gently inserted two fingers working them in and out in slow strides priming his sweet spot and his entrance. Then just when I couldn’t hold back another second, I pressed my hard cock into him slowly and passionately. I leaned deep into him and kissed his sweet wet lips with mine. I drove into him harder and faster and he scratched and clawed at my back, the mixture of pleasure and pain intense and erotic. I held my orgasm back slowing my movements and began stroking his throbbing cock gently. His rock-hard member now slick with precum as I drove harder and deeper into him with my thick hard cock. He began to tremble with a heated passion and I let go of all control. I thrust harder and faster as he moaned in anticipation, I positioned myself ready to burst. I felt the power of his magic tease my own and it sent shivers of hunger through me. I opened my mouth and clamped down on his neck as he convulsed with shudders of pleasure shooting thick white streams all over his chest and stomach. I emptied into his hungry ass and collapsed next to him. 

For a moment we lay still basking in the ecstasy we had felt only a moment ago. Then Ian leans over me and say’s “I love you Denton Granger, with all that I am, with my very soul, my love, my life mate, forever.

“Ian, I need to say I’m so sorry about the ----”

“Denton please stop beating yourself up, I knew in my heart it wasn’t you, I know you would never hurt me. I love you so much it hurts when we’re apart. Promise we’ll never be apart again.”

“ I promise love, never again.”

I smile with joy at the thought of spending the hundreds of years ahead of us together, until the end.

 Ian sighs content and blissful, falling into a deep sleep in my arms.

19. A looming threat.

Deep in the caverns of the mountain, in the chamber of the dark phoenix, the grand magus lies on an alter lifeless and grey, with the stench of death creeping in.

Acolytes surround him, fearfully talking about the battle.

Then the tattoo on the grand magus’s arm begins to glow. Then it slowly creeps through his body, green light traveling through every vein and artery, his hand twitches, the green glows brighter and his face jerks. His skin turns white with magic, black mist flowing off the alter. Suddenly, he sits up gasping for air. He sits and pants, naked on the alter, looks up, and demands his robe with a commanding glare.

In shock they scramble about, trying to cover their naked leader.

 The grand magus stands and laughs at the thirty-foot-tall phoenix and screams “She is Rising!” and the mountain shakes and rumbles.

Ian turns to Denton and smiles gently straightening his tie.

Denton says “We’re going to be fashionably late, as it should be, relax love.”

Ian says “Ok, ok, I just don’t want to miss being there for my only friends.”

‘OK love, we’re going, we’re going.” Denton says laughing.

They pull up to Devon and Jonah’s around eight and knock on the door. As the large wooden door opens, Ian smiles and hugs Devon saying. “Congratulations on your one-year anniversary, son.”

“Thanks Ian, you and Denton help yourselves to the bar, I’ll be right back.” Replies Devon.

 With a mischievous grin Denton makes his way to the bar and brings back two cocktails, hands me one, looks around the room and smiles.

The night now involved the opening of presents.

“What an absolutely mundane Idea, giving out gifts to perfectly happy people, why not the poor or downtrodden?” Denton thinks to himself, as he sips on his seventh cocktail, desperately trying to catch a buzz.

Suddenly Ian’s skin crawls with an unsettling sensation, Goosebumps pepper his skin and he looks at Devon. Devon looks back at him with the same air of surprise and confusion about his face. They quickly stop and head outside. The earth begins to shake and rumble with an unsettling growl. They look up at the mountainside to see, black purplish fire and thick black smoke rise into the air.

“What’s happening, Ian?” Yells Devon,

Ian replies “It’s the darkness rising, like the prophecy said!

HOW?” Devon questions with shock.

“Because, you did die in that cave Devon, the sacrifice had been complete! I brought you back from the death plane!” Ian shouts.

“Shit!” Grumbles Jonah, with a heavy sigh.

Denton just looks at the plumes of black smoke, rolling his eyes.

“Let’s get as far up there as we can, NOW!” Shouts Jonah

They all charge towards the jeeps and speed away, tires spinning in the gravel and dirt. As they make their way up the mountainside, Ian realizes Jonah means to meet this dark creature head on.

Ian looks at Devon and with a nod, they know what to do. They begin to meditate and pool magic within themselves, to have the power ready the second they need it.

Denton sits, his eyes wild with the taste of adventure. Jonah just steadies himself for whatever’s coming next.

The distant, thunderous, yet piercing screech of the beast fills the night sky. Then they see it. A winged figure against the moon, that of a giant flaming bird, tail feathers and dark purple flames extending ten feet behind it.

“What in the nine hells is that?” screams Jonah!

“A creature born of legend, or so I thought. It states in the legend that the phoenix mother was corrupted by dark magic! Now, it seeks only destruction and death! Opposing life itself, instead of rebirth and new life! Ian yells back.

The creature having sensed them, is now barreling towards them and they towards it.

The jeep slides to a stop just at the edge of a clearing. The creature now over them as they leap from their vehicles. Seeing them the Dark Phoenix reacts, blasting them with dark purple fire. A fire hotter than even mages fire. In that instant, Ian throws his hands up, raising a magical dome like shield to protect them, dropping to his knee as he strains against the intensity of the fiery blast.

They regroup and Devon throws an icy blast, but the dark phoenix just puffs its black feathers and shrugs off the Icy assault. The phoenix lands and blasts them with another barrage of dark fire. Ian once again throws up a shield with a grimace, as the dark flames surround them.

Ian’s eyes widen as he yells, “We can’t hope to destroy this creature, but a purification spell might do it!”

Devon centers himself, all the studying he had done last summer to banish the demon, just might pay off. Devon’s mind, photographically flips through spell pages, one by one as fast as his fear riddled brain can process. Then he smiles, opens his eyes and braces himself, as the dark phoenix makes another flyby.

Devon leans forward and his hands spread out in front of him. A magical rain of dust twinkles and falls in a forty-foot wall in front of him. The phoenix is almost upon them again and Ian, his brow now sweating, contorts his face as he forces up another shield.

Devon’s magical dust screen shines brighter and brighter as he channels more magic than he ever has before. The phoenix fire rains down on them and then a screeching piercing sound hits their ears. The sound of earth rumbling as the dark phoenix slams into the ground, sliding to a halt.

They all look in awe as the magical particles from Devon’s spell begin to shimmer and seep into the beast’s black feathers, the creature resists with a deafening cry and Devon renews his magical push. His magic burning inside him now as his soul reaches out to Jonah’s wolf magic. Jonah, feels the sudden pull and gives into it, with all his mind. Devon’s magic flares anew and the dust glows blindingly bright. Then it fades to a shimmer as the phoenix mother’s feathers turn brilliant shades of red and orange. The purification worked.

 The phoenix mother raises her head, stands, then as if bowing, she lowers her head with a nod. As a single tear falls from her eye, Ian gathers it in a vial.

 Denton slaps at his arm saying “Have some respect, love!”

The Phoenix mother begins to flap her massive wings as she slowly rises into the night sky vanishing into thin air.

 They all sigh and head for the jeep as Denton says,” Is it always this wild around you people?”

They all just laugh and enjoy one another as they drive home.

Epilogue

   The Grand Magus’s pale white skin reflects the firelight eerily as he looks over the piles of dead acolytes with rage. “The dark phoenix is defeated.” He thinks in disgust. Then shaking in anger his eyes begin to glow bright green as a sickly green mist begins to form over the bodies of his fallen followers.

“You failed me in life, you will better serve me in death!” Says the grand magus.

The mist glows with malevolent dark magical power and slowly the bodies of the fallen begin to rise. They crunch and glug with the sounds of broken bones and putrid flesh. With a green tint to their hollow eyes, they begin to stand in formation. The bulk of his army now consisting of the undead zombies before him. The grand magus laughs maniacally and shakes his hands.

“I will have my revenge and nothing, or no one, will stop what’s coming. My army of the dead will march and consume flesh. Unrelenting, unstoppable and insatiable!!!”

“I can’t wait to see the look on your smug face Ian, when the undead eviscerate everyone you care about, you bastard.” he whispers to himself with hate dripping off the very sound of his voice.

As the grand magus’s echoes of laughter fade into the darkness of the caverns, the last of his acolyte’s tremble in fear, bowing and pledging themselves, to their new dark lord.

Save one, He slips out through the maze of caverns silently and fearfully and when he makes it to the surface, he sighs.

“I will warn someone, he has to be stopped. I didn’t sign up for this shit!”

 He stumbles off into the dark woods.

To be continued …